The graduating class of 2020/2021 at the University of Ilorin has staged protests against the recent introduction of top-up and memorabilia charges by the institution as part of the requirements to participate in the upcoming combined convocation ceremony.
Graduates have cited the short notice, the challenging economic situation in the country, and the perceived extortion as the primary reasons for their opposition to the fee increment.
The convocation event, scheduled for October 20 and 21, 2023, is set to host both the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 graduating classes.
In a memo dated October 3, 2023, which was obtained by Findwhosabi Online on Monday, the university introduced memorabilia items, including branded T-shirts, scrolls, and lapel pins for graduates at the rate of N10,000.
The requirements for obtaining certificates were also listed, including an original copy of the Statement of Result (SOR) for those who have collected it; a 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 an additional N17,700.00 for those who have already paid the N20,800.00; and evidence of payment of N10,000.00 for memorabilia to UNILORIN Consultancy Services Unit.
In an exclusive interview with a Findwhosabi correspondent, a representative of the graduands, Aminat, expressed concern about the economic situation in the country and urged the university to consider the financial capabilities of its graduates. She questioned the rationale behind asking for additional payments when convocation fees were already paid before embarking on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Another graduate, who wished to remain anonymous, accused the university of attempting to extort its graduates by imposing mandatory memorabilia fees and a top-up convocation fee. She argued that this was an unjust act that did not take into consideration the financial constraints of the graduates.
Azeez, a graduate and one of the presidents of the institution’s faculties, mentioned that the graduates were not satisfied with the development. He expressed hope that the university management would address the issue, considering that most of the graduates were struggling financially, as they relied on the monthly stipend provided by the federal government during their NYSC.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the university’s Public Relations Officer, Kunle Akogun, were met with uncertainty, as he claimed to be unaware of the development and promised to respond after obtaining more information. However, despite assurances to do so, he did not provide further details or respond to messages sent to his mobile line, leaving the matter unresolved.