The Celebration of Final-Year Students in Tertiary Institutions
By Deborah Chinonyerem Uzoma
It is that time of the year when the academic calendar draws to a close, and final-year students sit for their concluding examinations.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this season is the renewed hope it inspires in junior colleagues. Watching their seniors reach the finish line boosts their enthusiasm, motivating them to look forward to their own milestone moments.
The traditional joy of wearing a plain white shirt to sit for a final examination—only to have it signed with markers by loved ones afterward—is a powerful reward that makes years of academic struggle worthwhile.
Equally heartwarming is the immense pride of parents, relatives, and well-wishers, who celebrate their children’s successful exit from higher education with deepgratitude.Creativity and culture often take center stage during these celebrations.
●Recently, a mother made headlines when she brought a live goat to campus for her son after his final paper at Federal Polytechnic Nekede, a polytechnic in eastern Nigeria. In an interview with BBC News Pidgin, she shared that she bought the goat for 120,000 Naira because she wanted to gift him something substantial that “had four legs”—a truly unique and endearing gesture of maternal love.
The excitement is also contagious among younger siblings and toddlers, who look on with wonder, already dreaming of the day they will graduate.
Meanwhile, for self-sponsored students who worked their way through school, the moment brings a profound sigh of relief and triumph.
With flowers, framed portraits, money bouquets, flying wine corks, and even surprise marriage proposals filling the air, the entire campus transforms into a vibrant festival of achievement. It is a heartwarming spectacle that leaves every onlooker longing to experience the same success.
The Economic and Social Impacts of University “Sign-Out” Celebrations
●Contrary to the excitement surrounding final-year “sign-out” rituals, these celebrations often introduce significant financial strain. Students frequently incur heavy expenditures, ranging from new apparel and footwear to luxury grooming—such as expensive hair extensions, manicures, and pedicures—and even high-end smartphones. Driven by peer pressure, some students resort to unethical behaviors or engage in transactional relationships to fund these trends. Others misrepresent university fees to their parents or sponsors to secure extra financial support.
●Beyond individual financial strain, these events negatively impact local logistics. Transportation fares typically surge during this period; for instance, standard 300 Naira commutes frequently inflate to 500 Naira. This artificial inflation often blurs the operational distinction between casual student celebrations and major institutional events like matriculation or convocation.
Despite strict institutional policies prohibiting non-staff and non-student vehicles from campus parking, the areas leading to major roads face severe strain from high pedestrian and vehicle traffic. This congestion results from an influx of external visitors.
Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge the intrinsic value of these celebrations to final-year students. Sign-out rituals serve as a significant milestone, allowing graduates to document memories and create digital content that they can cherish and share with their families in the future.
●Regrettably, however, due to academic or administrative hurdles, not every student who participates in these festivities ultimately secures graduation status.
Recommendations
University administrations should introduce mandatory sensitization and orientation programs for final-year students prior to the commencement of final examinations. These initiatives should focus on financial responsibility, safety, and ethical conduct during end-of-semester celebrations.
As I conclude, I offer my sincere congratulations to the graduating class. Having walked this path myself, I encourage you to celebrate your achievements with dignity, responsibility, and integrity.
— Debora Chinonyerem Uzoma ©️ 2026
About the Writer:
Deborah Chinonyerem Uzoma is a budding scholar and essayist. Amidst researching and lecturing, she balances her time with creative writing and lifestyle stories. Currently, she is shortlisted to participate in the 2nd edition of the ANA Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers Residency, 2026. She is the author of My Father’s House and Other Poems (children’s literature), a 2023 Ebedi International Fellow, and has several notable awards to her credit.