UNILAG Suspends 51st Convocation Ceremony

The University of Lagos has suspended its 51st convocation earlier scheduled to hold on March 9, 2020.

The institution’s Registrar, Mr Oladejo Azeez, who made the announcement of the cancellation, in a circular, gave no reason.

However, a leaked memo to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Sonny Ochono, noted that the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the varsity’s Governing Council, Dr. Wale Babalakin, had informed the Education Minister, Adamu Adamu in a letter dated March 2, that the programme was not approved by the board.

“The attention of the honourable minister has been drawn to the attached copy of the letter dated 2nd of March 2020 from the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr B.O. Babalakin to the effect that the 2019 convocation ceremonies were not approved by the Governing Council in line with the laws of the University.

“I am too, therefore, request that you kindly advise the Vice-Chancellor to suspend the convocation and ensure full compliance with due process.”

Also, all efforts by the Nation yesterday to reach out to UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Toyin Ogundipe, and the Deputy Registrar, Information and Protocol, Mrs. Taiwo Oloyede, in order to confirm rumours of the postponement of the convocation but got no response.

However, when this reporter called her on Thursday, she confirmed the postponement and said the University would release its official statement Thursday night.

“I did not respond to your message because I did not want to. The convocation has been postponed. We will send an official statement tonight,” she said.