With a terse press statement issued on Thursday night, the University of Lagos put a break in the preparation by its graduating students and their parents towards the institution’s 51st Convocation Ceremonies.
The press statement signified the victory of the Dr Wale Babalakin led Governing Council in the supremacy battle between it and the university management.
The statement, signed by Oladejo I. Azeez, Registrar and Secretary to Council reads:” The Management of the University of Lagos regrets to inform the general public that the 51st (2019) Convocation Ceremonies earlier scheduled to hold from Monday 9th to Thursday, 12th 2020 has been postponed.
“Any inconveniences occasioned by this postponement is highly regretted.”
A covering letter signed by Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe indicated that copies of the press statement were sent to the Minister of Education; Minster of State for Education’ Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission and Chairman of the Governing Council (Dr Wale Babalakin.
Investigations by The State Online showed the action taken by the university management was in compliance with the directive of the Federal Ministry of Education .
A letter from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Sonny Echono through the National Universities Commission (NUC) had asked the university to suspend the weeklong convocation.
The letter addressed to the executive secretary, NUC by Echono and titled, “Re: invitation to the 2019 convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos” read in part” :“The attention of the honourable minister has been drawn to the attached copy of letter dated March 2, 2020 from the pro-chancellor to the effect that the 2019 convocation ceremonies were not approved by the governing council in line with the laws of the university.
“I am to, therefore request that you kindly advise the vice-chancellor to suspend the convocation and ensure full compliance with due process.”