Date: 2021-10-11

The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) says it will hold its 36th Convocation from October 15, this year, with plans to bar graduates without first-class degrees from attending the ceremony.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Kunle Akogun, the University's Director of Corporate Affairs, on Sunday in Ilorin.

Akogun explained that it would be the institution's 36th Convocation ceremony to be held at the Main Auditorium.

According to him, the convocation programme will commence on Oct. 15, with a special Juma'at service at the University Central Mosque by 1.30 p.m.

He said that this would be followed on Oct. 17, with an Interdenominational Church Service at St. Thomas Aquinas Chaplaincy at the Main Campus by 9.00 a.m.

Akogun stated that the main events of the ceremony would formally commence on Oct. 18, with the Vice-Chancellor's Press Briefing at the University's Auditorium by 10 a.m.

"This will be followed on Oct. 21, by the Convocation Play, entitled 'Aadoye' (No secret anywhere - A South African Dance Interpretation) by Steve James, Choreographed by Felix Akinsipe, at the institution's Performing Arts Theatre at 4 p.m and 6 p.m, respectively.

"This year's Convocation Lecture comes up on Oct. 22, to be delivered by a distinguished legal luminary, Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), entitled: 'Tertiary Education and the Future of Nigeria'.

"The grand finale comes up on Saturday, Oct. 23, with the Convocation for the Award of Prizes, First and Postgraduate Degrees and Diplomas from all the 15 Faculties and the Postgraduate, "he said.

He stated that attendance at the main convocation event on Oct. 23, would be restricted to only graduands with 1st Class Degree Honours, Prize winners and Doctoral Awardees.

Akokun stressed that "hence, entry into the Main Auditorium will be strictly by invitation cards".

He noted that the dignitaries expected to grace the event include the Visitor to the University, President Muhammadu Buhari; the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu; and the Chancellor of the University, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, among others. NAN