University Cancels Final-Year Exam Due to Partying

Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Ekpoma, Edo State, has cancelled the final-year exam for its Microbiology students. This decision follows claims of breaking the school’s rules on celebrations after exams.

The university has told affected students to retake the exam in the 2026/2027 academic session after they pay their fees. This decision could delay graduation for these students. Many are criticizing the move on Facebook. Some are asking why students who didn't join the celebrations should be punished.

In a letter dated 15 October 2026, the Registrar of the university, through the Senate Services Division, told the Head of the Microbiology Department about the cancellation of the MCB 414 exam.

The letter, titled “Cancellation of MCB 414 Examination,” mentions that the Senate approved the Vice-Chancellor’s decision to cancel the exam. This approval came during the Senate’s 335th regular meeting on 23 September 2026.

“Senate at its 335th regular meeting held on Wednesday, 23 September 2026 ratified the Vice-Chancellor’s approval for the cancellation of the MCB 414 Examination due to the violation of the Senate’s rule on wild jubilation by final year students of the Department of Microbiology,” the letter said.

The memo also stated that students must retake the exam in the next academic session after paying their fees. F.O. Omoigui, Deputy Registrar (Senate), signed the memo for the registrar.

Akinteye Babatunde, president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), shared the letter on Facebook. He criticized the university’s decision.

In his post, Mr Babatunde called the punishment excessive and raised concerns about its impact on the students. “Dear Ambrose Alli University Vice-Chancellor, Ekpoma, Edo State. This is the most hilarious and inhumane judgment I have ever seen. Setting over 300 students on the path of an extra year is not acceptable.”

His post sparked different reactions. Some commenters questioned whether it was fair to punish everyone for the actions of a few.

Philip Omon, a commenter, asked if the university considered students who did not join the celebrations. “In all this, what is the consideration for those students who didn’t participate in the said wild jubilation, even if it’s one student? Should all suffer because of some?”

Another commenter, Mohammed Garbadeen, agreed that the punishment was too harsh. He suggested that while the exam could be cancelled, students should be allowed to retake it immediately. “I think this is quite extreme. Cancellation, yes, but also allow them to write it immediately so they can graduate.”

When reached for comment, Mike Aladenika, the university spokesperson, defended the decision. He claimed the students broke a school rule against wild celebrations after exams. “We issued that directive,” he said. He noted that these celebrations often disrupt public order.

“Whenever they are writing their final paper, they hold the university to ransom with their wild celebration,” he added. Aladenika mentioned that the university put this rule in place about three years ago after incidents of reckless celebrations that caused accidents and traffic problems.

He explained that the school decided to cancel exams for departments where students had wild celebrations after their final papers. “That was about three years ago. At that time, two or three courses were cancelled,” he said.

“Some students would hire vehicles and sit on top of them, causing hold-ups along the road,” he added. Aladenika also stated that students had been warned that the rule would be enforced.

A lecturer at the university, who asked to remain anonymous, confirmed that the students broke the school’s rules. “They engaged in wild jubilation, causing hold up on the road with some involved in accidents,” the lecturer said.

This situation arises as more universities in Nigeria try to control or ban celebrations after exams. These celebrations, known as “sign-out” or “sign-off” ceremonies, usually involve final-year students signing shirts, taking photos, and gathering after exams. University administrators criticize these events due to claims of disorderly conduct and safety risks.

In August 2025, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, banned sign-off ceremonies indefinitely. They raised concerns about violence and disruption. Students were warned that breaking this rule could lead to disciplinary action.

In July, PREMIUM TIMES also reported that Akwa Ibom State College of Education prohibited sign-out celebrations. They warned that students who broke the rule could be denied graduation clearance. This decision followed a resolution from the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly urging schools to stop unruly celebrations.

While university leaders cite safety concerns, the cancellation of the exam at Ambrose Alli University raises questions about whether such punishments fit the actions of all students. The university insists the rule was set to prevent dangerous celebrations and that students received warnings beforehand.

Yet, the reactions to this decision highlight worries about how schools enforce rules while making sure that punishments are fair for students who might not have been involved in the misbehavior.