Glitz and thrills as kogi poly students marks sign- out in Lokoja.
And God created the earth and the heavens. Seven days created it. Six days he worked and on the seventh day he rested. Gen 1:1 . From the perspective of spiritualism, the earth and all its substance were created by God , with each day , with its specific purpose and reason by the creator.
Just as God with specific purpose for each day, humans have special purpose for each day of their lives.
To a civil servant , a day he collects his or her salary, specially the first salary of getting the job would be his happiest moment.
To an unemployed, a day he secured an employment, would no doubt his best day. Also, an apprentice ,the day he completed his training is no doubt a joyous moment. To a farmer , his new yarm or crop, a deciding moment for him.
To an expectant mother, a day of delivery a memorable time. And to a student , a day of his final papers , his merriment, however,not of recent, the day of graduation used to be the apogee of cerebration for undergrad.
Concept of Sign -out
However, the concept of a “sign out” ceremony, where graduating students celebrate the end of their exams by marking each other’s clothes, is a relatively recent tradition, particularly in Nigeria. It’s a practice that has gained popularity in the last decade or so, evolving from more traditional ways of celebrating graduation. While the exact origin is unclear, it’s become a widespread trend, sometimes with controversial aspects.
-
What it is:“Sign out” refers to the practice of students, typically in their final year of university, marking each other’s white shirts (or other clothing) with markers after their last exam.
-
Celebration and Symbolism:
-
It’s a way for students to mark the end of their academic journey and celebrate their impending graduation, even if they haven’t officially graduated yet.
-
Recent Trend:
-
While graduation celebrations have always existed, the specific practice of “sign out” as a large-scale event has gained prominence in the last 10-15 years.
-
Controversies:
-
The trend has faced criticism for its potential for disruptive behavior, inappropriate messages written on clothing, and the potential for safety concerns when large groups of students gather on campus.
-
Management Response:
-
Kogi state polytechnic and Federal Polytechnic Idah have banned or restricted sign-out ceremonies due to the issues mentioned above, emphasizing that formal graduation ceremonies and celebrations are the appropriate avenues.
-
Not surprisingly, a crowd of kogi state polytechnic students in LOKOJA, has in the last week thronged and took over major relaxation and events centers to celebrate their new fads of Sign -out celebration, the very day they completed their final examinations. It was a beehive of activities. Some of them with latest cars in town. Sirens of a special brand motorbikes, popularly known as rubber , rubbers rent the vicinity. Parents and siblings hung around with paparazzi pictures, assorted foods and drinks are in surplus.
-
At the Muhammadu Buhari centre in the heart of Lokoja, it was a sea of vehicles parked uncontrollably on the internal road leading from Post office Junction to NTA roundabout was a no go area for other road users, occasioned by the gridlock.
-
Boys and girls danced to hilarious tune of music oozing from various sound systems. It was a day of fulfillment. A day of accomplishment, if nothing, five year journey into the classroom has ended
-
To Ene Blessing, HND public Administration, kogi state polytechnic, sign out is a memorable day for every student of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It is a day that five years into the academic has ended. It calls for sober reflections, a day to give thanks to God and ones parents and all others who have been of support in the last five years.
-
Yes, despite its trappings, it is a worthwhile. My advise for students is to observe the day responsibly and not to disturb peace and security of others.
-
Ibrahim Nda was full of joy and appreciation to God and his parents for making this day come to pass. Five years down the line is not a tea party. Years of burning midnight oil, to financial hurdles, having to pawn here and there to pay bills and a day like today, he is part of those who have successfully completed HND , a feat desirous of celebration.
-
He called on management of kogi state polytechnic to reconsider its stance on the Sign -out celebration for students to enjoy themselves to the fullest in the campus, while warning students to shun unwholesome behaviors while celebrating this great day.
