Gbenro Adesina
The Management of the University of Ibadan (UI) has explained why the 2021 convocation and 73rd Foundation Day ceremonies would be held virtually, as it revealed that the total number of First Degree students graduating this year is 8,474.
In a statement signed by the institution’s Director of Communication, Tunji Oladejo, the nation’s Premier University has opted for blended mode of convocation to curb and contain the spread of Covid-19 on campus during the period.
The statement emphasised, “The University of Ibadan has stated that it decides to hold this year’s convocation and 73rd foundation day ceremonies virtually to curb and contain the spread of Covid-19 on campus during the period. Covid-19 is real and its delta variant is even virulent and easily transmissible. We cannot take the risk of inviting over 7000 graduates and parents, guardians, and well-wishers into the venue. This is what is obtainable in all institutions all over the world at this time. Therefore, the University of Ibadan cannot flout the rules/ protocols of Federal Government of Nigeria governing Covid-19”.
According to the institution, any form of partying or social gathering during the period would not be allowed.
“Given the above, attendance at the International Conference Centre is open to First Class Honours graduands and recipients of prizes and awards only as this is the number that can be conveniently accommodated with the maintenance of the appropriate physical distancing. Parents, visitors and other categories of graduates are expected to log on to www.ui.edu.ng to connect to the convocation proceedings online. All graduands are to comply with COVID-19 protocols, including wearing face masks, physical distancing, and use of hand sanitizer”.
The statement stressed that the 2020 matriculation and convocation ceremonies were done virtually, adding that the University did not “bar or ban” graduates without a first-class from participating in this year’s ceremony as being insinuated in certain parts of the media, adding, “Graduation is a very important milestone in the lives of our graduates. We hereby congratulate these graduands on the successful completion of their programs at the University”.
