The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has placed a restriction on all social activities within its campuses, prohibiting events from holding beyond 6 p.m. daily.
The directive, contained in an internal memo signed by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, cited rising concerns over security and the need to maintain order on campus as the reason for the new policy.
According to the memo, student associations, clubs, and societies planning to organize social gatherings, parties, or entertainment events must ensure they are concluded before the 6 p.m. deadline. Any group or individual that violates the directive risks sanctions, including suspension of the organization’s activities on campus.
“This decision was taken in the best interest of students’ safety. Recent developments have made it necessary to ensure that all social functions end before nightfall, to prevent incidents that could endanger the lives of our students,” the statement read.
The university management, however, clarified that academic activities, including evening lectures and practical sessions, would not be affected by the restriction. Only recreational and social gatherings fall under the new regulation.
The ban has already sparked mixed reactions among students. While some welcomed it as a proactive step to forestall security breaches, others criticized it as an attempt to clamp down on campus life and limit students’ social freedom.
A 300-level student of Mass Communication, who spoke under anonymity, described the move as “too harsh,” noting that many events, including award nights and cultural shows, usually take place in the evening. “UNN is a safe campus, so I don’t see why they should cut off our social life this way”.
On the other hand, another student from the Faculty of Engineering commended the management, arguing that “security should come first, especially with rising insecurity across the country.”
The UNN Students’ Union Government (SUG) is expected to meet with the university management to seek further clarifications and possibly push for a review of the policy.
