UNILORIN Set to Convocate 12,523 Graduands for 41st Convocation Ceremony, Changes Convocation Pattern

UNILORIN 41st Convocation: Preparations Reach Final Stage Ahead of October Ceremonies

The University of Ilorin has announced that preparations for its 41st Convocation Ceremonies have reached an advanced stage, with the university set to hold the event from October 16 to 25, 2026.

The development was disclosed by the Chairman of the Ceremonials Committee, Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, during the 313th meeting of the University Senate held on Friday, September 18.

Prof. Fawole said the committee was working across different areas to ensure smooth coordination of the ceremonies, particularly in the areas of security, movement of people and vehicles, parking, timing and compliance with established regulations.

According to him, the degree-awarding ceremonies, which previously took place over two days, have been extended to three days to improve access and convenience for graduands.

The first degree-awarding session is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, and will cover four-year programmes and diploma graduands from the Faculties of Education, Agriculture (Home Economics), Communication and Information Sciences, Environmental Sciences (Architecture), Social Sciences and the Institute of Education.

A total of 4,443 graduands are expected to participate on the first day.

The second session, scheduled for Thursday, October 22, will feature graduands from four-year programmes and diploma programmes in the Faculties of Arts, Basic Medical Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences, Management Sciences and Physical Sciences.

The university expects 4,500 graduands to participate in the second session.

The third day, Friday, October 23, will feature the Convocation Lecture alongside the graduation of students from five-year and six-year programmes in selected faculties, as well as the conferment of postgraduate degrees.

The faculties listed for the third day include Agriculture, Basic Clinical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences (Optometry), Law, Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine.

A total of 3,580 graduands are expected on the third day.

The Convocation Lecture will be delivered by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Hon. Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie. She is expected to speak on the topic, “From Lecture Hall to Cabinet Room: The Journey from Academia to Public Leadership.”

As part of activities leading up to the convocation, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, is also expected to address the media through a press conference and media chat on the progress recorded by the university administration over the past year.

The university said major activities will take place at the University Auditorium, the marquee at the Pavilion beside the Auditorium and the Multipurpose Hall.

Graduands will be accommodated at the Auditorium and marquee, while parents, guardians and other guests will use the Multipurpose Hall. Television screens will also be provided at the different venues, with a larger screen mounted at the roundabout for people who may not be accommodated within the main venues.

The Ceremonials Committee also highlighted security and crowd control as major areas of focus ahead of the event. Access cards will reportedly be used to regulate movement and restrict unauthorised access to the Multipurpose Hall, while seating arrangements at the Auditorium have been reviewed and mapped out.

The committee further disclosed that graduation certificates, students’ copies of transcripts and copies of the Order of Proceedings are expected to be made available after the degree-awarding sessions each day.

The Chairman assured the Senate that the committee would continue working with relevant university stakeholders to ensure effective coordination throughout the ceremonies.

Responding to the report, the Vice Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, commended the committee for the arrangements and innovations introduced ahead of the 41st Convocation.

He also called on university units involved in the ceremonies to remain committed to their responsibilities, stressing that the success of the convocation would require the collective efforts of the university community.