University Of Lagos Bans Parties, Canopies, Personal Vehicle Movement For 55th Convocation Ceremony
According to a circular, the restrictions include a ban on parties, canopies, and personal vehicle movement on campus. It claims that the measures are aimed at ensuring a secure and smooth convocation ceremony, scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2025.
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) administration has announced restrictions on campus activities ahead of its 55th convocation ceremony.
According to a circular, the restrictions include a ban on parties, canopies, and personal vehicle movement on campus. It claims that the measures are aimed at ensuring a secure and smooth convocation ceremony, scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2025.
The circular reads: “Information on reservation of seats for graduating students within the Main Auditorium will soon be released.
“Please note that parties and canopies are not allowed on campus during the Ceremonies.
“Similarly, transportation will be provided from the Main Gate to the Main Campus. We urge our graduating students and guests to make use of this option and not bring their personal vehicles.”
The decision implemented by the university management has sparked widespread criticism and adverse reactions from graduates and other stakeholders within the university community.
Certain graduates have expressed vehement opposition to this ban, contending that it would significantly diminish the festive atmosphere that typically accompanies the annual commencement ceremony.
Furthermore, they argue that this restriction may inadvertently lead to a decrease in attendance by parents and other family members, who are eager to participate in and celebrate this momentous occasion with their graduating loved ones.
Commencement ceremonies, such as convocations, are inherently momentous occasions, imbued with a profound sense of accomplishment and relief, particularly considering the challenges that students face during their academic tenure.
The journey towards graduation is often punctuated by unforeseen obstacles, including, but not limited to, protracted strike actions initiated by lecturers, which inevitably result in delays and disruptions to the academic calendar.
One of the graduates who reflects on his transformative experience at the University of Lagos, said, “After getting admitted in 2018, I spent the first four months at home due to ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) strike. We resumed in February 2019 and were sent back home in 2020 due to Covid-19.
“Then there was another eight months of ASUU strike. We resumed in January 2021, and we were sent back home in April due to the outbreak on campus. We resumed on January 2022 and we were sent back home in February due to another ASUU strike which lasted for 10 months.
“Then we resumed again in 2023 and got sent back home due to the national election and NUGA (Nigerian University Games Association) games. We resumed in May before we finally graduated on August 10, 2024.”
Another student lamented that, despite the occasion being a celebratory milestone, the excitement typically associated with convocation are significantly dampened by the restrictions put in place by the school authorities.
Specifically, the prohibition on parents’ vehicles entering the campus on the day of the ceremony has created an unintended but considerable inconvenience.
“Many graduates are now faced with the prospect of attending the ceremony without their parents, who will be affected by the restriction as they will be prevented from accessing available parking facilities.
“This, in turn, may lead to a notable decrease in attendance, as many students may opt not to participate in the ceremony if their parents are unable to join them,” another student said.
