The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has suspended its 51st convocation ceremony initially scheduled to begin March 9.
The suspension comes four days after the varsity announced a four-day programme to mark the convocation.
No reason was given for the action in a circular signed by its registrar, Oladejo Azeez, on its website.
However, a leaked memo to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) signed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Sonny Ochono, said the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the varsity’s Governing Council, Dr. Wale Babalakin, had informed the Education Minister, Adamu Adamu, in a letter dated March 2, that the programme was not approved by the board.
“The attention of the honourable minister has been drawn to the attached copy of letter dated 2nd of March 2020 from the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. B.O. Babalakin to the effect that the 2019 convocation ceremonies were not approved by the Governing Council in line with the laws of the University,” the letter read.
“I am to, therefore, request that you kindly advise the Vice-Chancellor to suspend the convocation and ensure full compliance with due process.”
UNILAG’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Toyin Ogundipe, has not had a good relationship with the institution’s Governing Council.
