The end of an academic journey is often marked with excitement and gratitude. But in Nigerian tertiary institutions, the now-popular ‘sign-out’ celebration has become both a source of joy and concern. What began as a modest tradition of wearing white shirts signed by classmates and friends has evolved into elaborate displays of merriment, with music, dancing and emotional farewells. Yet, as JENNIFER YARIMA found out, alongside the fun, the celebrations have also been marred by reckless driving, noise pollution, excessive drinking and even the use of harmful substances, raising questions about where to draw the line between memory-making and misconduct
THE sign-out celebration is held on the day final-year students write their last examination, whether for ND, HMD or a first degree. Typically graduates wear plain white shirts, inviting classmates, lecturers, family and friends to write names or pen signatures on them as a symbol of shared memories and contributions to their academic success. Last August at the University of Jos, for instance, the atmosphere was electric as students from various faculties poured into the streets with laughter, music and colourful inscriptions on their shirts. Phrases like ‘God did’, ‘Mom and dad, I made it’, ‘A degree hotter’, and ‘What I survived might kill you’ expressed the feelings of triumph and relief among the fresh graduates. DJs set up sound systems, while cakes, balloons, money bouquets and picture frames added to the merriment. Families were also present in large numbers to share in the joy.
Comrades, the wild aside
A peculiar ritual accompanies the celebration of politically exposed students, known on campus as ‘comrades’. These students are often dragged to Village Hostel or other spots where water, mud and even rolling on the ground become part of the rite. Although rough and messy, it is considered a badge of honour and an exciting spectacle for many.
However, some graduates extended the celebrations beyond the university gates, forming convoys that blocked roads with loud music and dancing. While this often inconveniences road users, many motorists reluctantly join in the rejoicing. Yet, for many science-related courses, the sign-out is not the ultimate conclusion, as project defence, results and clearance processes must still be completed before students officially graduate.
Students, parents speak
For Didel Miap, President of the Natural Science Students Association (NASSA) 2024/2025, and a graduate of Industrial Chemistry, the tradition is about preserving memories. “My perspective to why students wear white shirts to sign out is in order to keep the memories of family and friends. Graduation ceremony in the university is not done yearly, so we see it as our way of holding a graduation ceremony,” he explained.
However, Miap warned against excesses, noting that reckless driving and excessive drinking have led to casualties. “It should be done modestly because it’s a way of keeping memories of friends and classmates, as most of them may hardly see each other again,” he added. Similarly, Theatre and Film Arts graduate, Sylvia Felix, described the day as “an unforgettable experience of joy, love and celebration,” but also recalled water splashes, being thrown into gutters and emotional goodbyes from lecturers.
For her and others, signing shirts, writing notes about shared struggles during COVID-19 and ASUU strikes and honouring deceased classmates gave the celebration a deeper meaning.
Parents, however, remain divided. Pharmacist Pam Bode Dangyang, whose child studied Mass Communication, admitted that students endured many struggles that justified celebration. Still, he lamented the excesses, especially reckless and excessive drinking and parental indulgence. “If it’s allowed to continue the way it is, then the fun of graduation will no longer be there,” he warned.
Authorities react to excesses
Expectedly, the University of Jos administration has expressed displeasure at the recent sign-out activities. In a statement through Prof. Christopher Piwuna, Dean of the Directorate of Students Affairs and National President of ASUU, the institution acknowledged the milestone but condemned vandalism, reckless driving, noise pollution and the use of harmful substances that marred the celebration.
The institution’s management emphasised that such conduct undermines the university’s reputation and would attract disciplinary action, including fines, withholding of certificates or further sanctions.
“Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your academic journey,” the statement read. “But celebrations must reflect the maturity, excellence, and integrity that the university stands for.”
Similarly, Dr. Bullama Samuel Bulus, Dean of Students’ Affairs at Karl Kumm University, advised parents and students to keep celebrations modest and safe. He described reckless conduct as “immoral and indecent,” stressing that memory-making does not require chaos or danger.
In the end, the sign-out tradition embodies both triumph and temptation. For students, it remains a symbolic moment of closure, joy and lasting memories. For parents and authorities, however, its excesses demand caution, discipline and responsibility. The challenge, therefore, lies in ensuring that the culture of sign-out continues as a celebration of success without degenerating into conduct that undermines the very essence of academic achievement.
