Ilorin, Nigeria – The University of Ilorin has issued a statement refuting claims of exploitation of the graduating class of 2020/2021. Graduates were asked to pay additional fees for convocation and memorabilia charges, leading to protests ahead of the upcoming combined 37th and 38th convocation ceremony scheduled for October 20 and 21.
In a statement titled “Our Position On Memorabilia,” the institution’s director of Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun, asserted the university’s right to determine the necessity of materials and reasonable rates for its students or graduates. The statement read, “These are their personal effects and necessary commemoratory mementos for the successful completion of their programs at the University.”
The university’s decision to introduce memorabilia items, including branded T-shirts, scrolls, and lapel pins for graduates at a rate of N10,000, was met with resistance from some graduating students. They cited short notice and the country’s economic situation as reasons for their protest.
The university defended its stance, stating that the graduates should consider the prevailing economic reality in the country and appreciate the university management’s efforts to offer the “lowest possible” rates. The institution emphasized that its charges have consistently remained among the most affordable among public universities in the country.
The university’s statement also accused the protesting graduates of having “primordial and selfish reasons” for their actions and highlighted that a significant number of graduates had already paid for the memorabilia items and convocation.
However, the university did not directly address the alleged convocation top-up of N17,700 by the graduating class.
The protests and subsequent response by the University of Ilorin have generated significant attention among students, parents, and the general public as the convocation ceremony draws near.