Ahead of its 37th and 38th convocation ceremonies scheduled to hold on October 20 and 21, 2023 , the University of Ilorin, Ilorin on Tuesday warned graduands against getting involved in what the institution called ‘misguided action’.
Spokesman for the university, Mr. Kunle Akogun in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com which was issued in reaction to media reports claiming that some graduands are grumbling about the money they have been asked to pay for graduation memorabilia urged them to be mindful of the prevailing economic situation in the country.
In a memo that was reportedly dated October 3, 2023, the institution had introduced memorabilia which includes branded T-shirts, scrolls and lapel pins and graduands have been asked to pay N10,000 each.
The requirements for getting certificates also reportedly include presentation of an original copy of the Statement of Result (SOR) for those who have collected; Completed Clearance form and ID card for those who are yet to collect SOR; Evidence of payment of convocation fees of N38,500.00 for those who did not pay N20,800.00 earlier in the year and additional N17,700.00 for those who have paid the N20,800.00 and evidence of payment of N10,000.00 to UNILORIN Consultancy Services Unit for memorabilia.
The institution however asserted on Tuesday that no one has used the upcoming convocation ceremonies as an opportunity to milk the graduands adding that the university has rather offered the best price.
‘The attention of the Management of the University of Ilorin has been drawn to a social media report on a planned protest by a group of former students at the University with respect to some convocation items that they are expected to have.
These are their personal effects and necessary commemoratory mementos for the successful completion of their programmes in the University.
It is rather unfortunate that the generation of the concerned graduands, instead of demonstrating knowledge of the prevailing economic reality in the country and appreciating the good disposition of the University management in arriving at this rate, which is the lowest possible, chose to toe this untidy path.
This action is rather misguided. For the avoidance of doubts and for record purpose, members of the public and our former students should note that:
1. This matter is about graduands and indeed, convocation ceremonies;
2. The rates attached to the items are the least and indeed the lowest available in the light of the economic realities of the country;
3. It is not in our character at the University of Ilorin to exploit;
4. The University has always been very considerate in fixing its charges, which remain the cheapest among public universities in the country;
5. The University reserves the right to determine what materials are necessary and at the most reasonable rates for its students or graduands;
6. Our graduands, are worthy in character and learning, and would always live above board with the display of sound knowledge of the prevailing economic situation in the country.
7. A few misguided individuals have taken to the social media and behind this unpopular protest for whatever primordial and selfish reasons while a large number of our graduands already paid for the items and Convocation’ the university submitted-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you
