The event hosted both the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 graduating classes.
The latest graduates of the University of Ilorin have raised some concerns and accused the school management of extortion and unfulfilled promises regarding the combined convocation held on October 20, 21 and 23, 2023.
The event hosted both the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 graduating classes.
The graduates expressed their discontent with the abrupt introduction of additional charges, notably the "top-up" and "memorabilia" fees, which the school required for participation in the convocation.
The graduates argued that the charges, amounting to N10,000, were introduced on short notice and that it worsened their financial burden amid the current economic crisis in the country.
In a memo dated October 3, 2023, obtained by concerned graduates, the university introduced a "memorabilia" package, which includes branded T-shirts, scrolls, and lapel pins for the graduates, all at a cost of N10,000.
The discontented graduates, who wish to remain anonymous, questioned the justification behind the charges and the “failure of the school management to provide concrete reasons” for it.
Furthermore, they expressed disappointment that their certificates and orders of proceedings were not made available at the convocation event, saying the school management broke its promise to them.
One of the graduates who spoke to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity, stated, "During convocation ceremonies, it is customary for graduates to make necessary payments in advance, with the understanding that certificates would be issued immediately following the event.
“However, feedback from the postgraduate college indicated that the certificates were not ready. Additionally, the order of proceedings was unavailable, and no formal explanation or apology was given by the university management.
"We paid N41,000 for the convocation in addition to the N10,000 we were instructed to pay without justification.
“Despite spending this substantial amount to ensure participants from different states attended the event, we were disappointed to find that no order of proceedings was provided and the certificates they promised we would get were not issued.”
"The graduates attended the ceremony with the expectation of receiving their certificates without unnecessary delays, as pledged by the school management. However, this hope was dashed as the services were not delivered as anticipated," another graduate said.
Expressing their frustration, the graduates collectively urged the school authority to rectify the situation and uphold its motto, "Better by far."
They emphasised that such incidents tarnish the image and reputation of the university.
When SaharaReporters contacted the university’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, he described the money paid by the students as a requirement for the convocation ceremony.
He said, “The money was charged for convocation and it has been concluded on Monday. It is not true that it is an extortion. It is a requirement for the convocation.”
He further said that the order of proceedings would be sent to the students electronically and promised to investigate if the students were not given their certificates during the convocation as claimed.
“I am sure the students were given transcripts. I will check about the certificates,” Mr Akogun added.
Similarly, the university management has also refuted allegations of exploiting the 2020/2021 graduating class by requiring additional fees for convocation and memorabilia charges.
In a statement titled "Our Position On Memorabilia," Akogun stated that the has the power to decide which materials are essential and to set reasonable rates for its students and graduates.
He said, “The attention of the Management of the University of Ilorin has been drawn to a social media news report on a planned protest by a group of former students of the University concerning some convocation items they are expected to have.
“These are their personal effects and necessary commemoratory mementos for the successful completion of their programmes at the University.”
The management of the school faulted the action of the protesting graduates, noting that they should have demonstrated a knowledge of the prevailing economic reality in the country and appreciated the good disposition of the management in arriving at the rate, which the university described as its “lowest possible”.
The statement further read, “For the avoidance of doubts and record purposes, members of the public and our former students should note that this matter is about graduands and indeed, convocation ceremonies; the rates attached to the items are the least and indeed the lowest available in the light of the economic realities of the country; it is not in our character at the University of Ilorin to exploit; the University has always been very considerate in fixing its charges, which remain the cheapest among public universities in the country; 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.
The management also asserted that the “misguided individuals” are only protesting for their primordial and selfish reasons. It noted that a large number of the graduates had paid for the items and convocation.