Why UNILAG Suspended Convocation - VC

Paul Agada

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has said the institution's decision to suspend its convocation ceremony was in compliance with the Federal Government's directive on COVID-19 health protocols.

Professor Ogundipe made the disclosure during a recent exclusive interview with the Unilag Sun editorial crew led by the Editorial Adviser,Dr.Tayo Popoola in his office .

He, however, noted that UNILAG's management will wait for further directives from the Federal Ministry of Education before  announcing a new date for the convocation.

His words : "Well, because of the issue of the COVID-19 and as directed by the Federal Government, we are not having the convocation  this  February again until we get fresh  directives from the Federal Government. READ ALSO: Virtual Learning has come to stay - Prof Ogundipe

"...This COVID-19 thing is becoming more embarrassing now, there are some staff that had COVID-19 and we just have to adhere to all the Covid-19 protocols and protect  ourselves."

He also clarified that the ongoing strike action by the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) was not a major factor responsible for the postponement of the convocation ceremony.

He stated that a cordial relationship  exists between the University management and the non-academic staff unions.       

READ ALSO: UNILAG Reclaims CFA National Title When asked if the ongoing NASU strike played a part in the suspension of the convocation, Prof. Ogundipe said, "No, it doesn’t have anything to do with it. Their own strike doesn’t have anything to do with convocation. We work together with the non teaching staff. It is not a big problem."

It could be recalled that the management of the University of Lagos earlier  announced that the institution's 51st convocation ceremony would hold on February 24th & 25th, 2021.