19/08/2025
FPI CELEBRATES ORGANISED SIGNING-OUT CEREMONY
The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, recently hosted a colorful and well-coordinated signing-out ceremony for graduating students of the 2024/2025 academic session at the institution’s pavilion ground.
The signing-out culture, a cherished tradition where ND II and HND II students wear white shirts for colleagues and friends to inscribe congratulatory messages, has long been a symbol of joy and accomplishment. In recent years, however, the Polytechnic, through the Directorate of Student Affairs, has institutionalized the practice to ensure that the celebration remains lively, peaceful, secure, and dignified.
This year’s edition, held between Thursday, 14th and Saturday, 16th August, was peaceful and well coordinated. On each of the days, the pavilion buzzed with music, dancing, and cheers as students received flowers, gifts, and cash prizes from colleagues, friends, and well-wishers. Security operatives were strategically stationed to maintain order, ensuring that the celebration was safe for all.
A major highlight of the event was the presence of the Rector, Dr. Mukail Aremu Akinde, FCA, FCTI, who not only motivated the students with words of encouragement but also joined in the signing exercise. He later presented cash prizes to some students, remarking that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” a statement that drew loud ovations from the jubilant crowd.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Omowunmi J.O., highlighted several benefits of formally organizing the signing-out ceremony. According to him, the arrangement helps students avoid unruly behavior or injuries, while also fostering social bonding unlike what is obtainable in other institutions.
He further noted that the initiative provides a safe platform for the non graduating students to join in the celebrations within the campus as it boosts students’ morale, preserves the good image of the Polytechnic, and ensures that graduating students leave with fond memories of their time on campus.
“By creating an environment where students can rejoice in an organized and secured manner, we are not only protecting them but also helping them build lasting memories as they prepare for the next phase of life,” he said.
Many students expressed delight at the event, describing it as both fun and memorable. While some said the formal setting gave them a sense of pride and accomplishment, others emphasized that it was safer and more enjoyable than past informal celebrations.
In his goodwill message, the Rector congratulated the students for successfully completing their studies and urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of the Polytechnic. He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making available the NELFUND loan scheme to students, and commended Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) for providing shuttle buses for the student community.
He further encouraged the graduates to uphold the values of excellence and discipline as they venture into future endeavors.
With this year’s edition, the organized signing-out ceremony has further cemented itself as one of the most anticipated traditions of the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro a celebration that blends youthful excitement with institutional discipline, projecting the Polytechnic’s flag in high colors.
