In a historic move, the University of Ilorin, UNILORIN is gearing up for its combined 37th and 38th convocation ceremonies, marking the first time in decades that this prestigious institution will be graduating two sets of students simultaneously.
Both the graduates of the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic sessions will be receiving their First Degrees, Postgraduate Degrees, and Diplomas during a three-day celebration set to take place at the University’s Main Auditorium from Friday, October 20 to Monday, October 23, 2023.
The preliminary ceremonies commenced on Friday, October 13, 2023, with a Special Jumaat Service at the University Central Mosque, followed by an Interdenominational Service on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the Chapel of the Light, University of Ilorin.
A programme schedule signed by the University Registrar, Mr. Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, and released by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, outlines the main events. The convocation officially begins on Wednesday, with Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, addressing a World Press Conference at the University Auditorium, highlighting the convocation events and his achievements over the past year.
The institution’s Department of the Performing Arts will present the Convocation Drama titled “Jeong Do-Jeon (The Clash of Power)” on Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the Performing Arts Theatre.
A significant highlight of the convocation ceremonies is the Convocation Lecture, to be delivered by renowned Nigeria-born USA-based Professor of History, Tayo Falola, on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 9:45a.m. The lecture, titled “Modernity, Modernization, and Values,” will take place at the University Auditorium.
The graduation of 2020/2021 graduands of 4-year and 5-year academic programs will follow immediately from 11:00a.m to 1:00p.m. On Saturday, October 21, 2023, Convocation Day II will confer degrees and honors on all the 2021/2022 graduands of 4-year and 5-year academic programs between 9:00a.m and 11:00a.m at the University Auditorium.
Monday, October 23, 2023, will mark the grand finale with the graduation of the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 6-year programs, as well as Postgraduate graduands, convocating between 9:00a.m and 12:30p.m.
Following the convocation, the Visitor to the University, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be commissioning recently completed projects. This will be followed by the convocation luncheon and the presentation of merit awards to deserving members of staff at the University’s Multipurpose Hall at 4:00p.m.
The program schedule also includes a special Jumaat service at the UNILORIN Central Mosque on Friday, October 27, 2023, and concludes with a Thanksgiving Service at St. Thomas Aquinas Chaplaincy, University of Ilorin, on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 9:00a.m.
Mr. Akogun, the Director of Corporate Affairs, assured that the University’s authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the events proceed smoothly as scheduled. He advised staff members of the University, graduands, their parents, well-wishers, and the general public to conduct themselves with decorum throughout the festivities.