LASU Senate Bans Signing-Out Funfairs Over Indecent Acts, Sets Strict New Rules for Graduating Students

By Goldmark Pentho Dansu  The Senate of Lagos State University (LASU) has placed a ban on the controversial “signing-out funfairs” tradition...

By Goldmark Pentho Dansu 

The Senate of Lagos State University (LASU) has placed a ban on the controversial “signing-out funfairs” traditionally organised by final-year students, following reports of gross misconduct, disruption of academic activities, and violation of university regulations.

The decision was taken at the 306th Statutory Senate Meeting held on Thursday, January 25, 2024, after members considered a detailed report on the excesses that trailed previous signing-out celebrations.

According to the report, the Students’ Affairs Division observed widespread indiscipline as final-year students engaged in open drinking of alcohol, smoking of weed, use of shisha, and indecent dressing within the university premises. The students were also accused of inviting non-students to join the festivities, mounting loudspeakers and musical equipment, and turning the academic environment into a carnival-like scene.

The Senate noted with concern that the chaotic atmosphere coincided with ongoing examinations and the visit of National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation teams to the campus. The influx of vehicles, indiscriminate parking, and rowdy gatherings also caused heavy traffic congestion within the university, while the aftermath left the campus dirty and untidy.

In its resolution, the Senate condemned the behaviour of graduating students and approved far-reaching measures to restore order and protect the university’s academic image.

Key decisions include:

• All final-year students must henceforth sign an undertaking not to organise any funfair or party in the name of signing out.

• Where signing-out is permitted, it must be devoid of music, food, cake, or drinks brought from outside the campus.

• Students are forbidden from bringing visitors, canopies, or tents for the exercise.

• Any student or group that violates these directives shall be rusticated for one academic session. In addition, all examinations already written in the final year will be cancelled, forcing the affected student(s) to re-register courses, pay tuition afresh, and rewrite the examinations.

The Senate stressed that these measures are necessary to preserve LASU’s reputation, ensure a conducive academic environment, and instil discipline among students.

LASU, which prides itself on the motto “We are LASU, We are Great,” reaffirmed its commitment to upholding academic standards while warning that no act of indiscipline would be tolerated.