Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, has rescheduled its 18th convocation ceremony, originally set for May 30 and 31, in response to a warning from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The new date for the convocation is now May 31.
IPOB had issued an open letter to the Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK and the management of the West African Examination Council (WAEC), urging them to avoid scheduling events on May 30. IPOB has designated this date as Biafra Remembrance Day, honoring those from the South-East region who died during the 1967-70 civil war. Declaring May 30 a sit-at-home day, IPOB cautioned that holding events on this date would endanger lives and disrupt their commemoration.
Despite this, UNIZIK management stated that the decision to change the convocation date was due to the federal government’s inauguration of a new Governing Council on May 30, requiring the university’s management to be present in Abuja. Dr. Emma Ojukwu, special adviser on special duties and media to the Vice Chancellor, clarified this in a statement released to journalist
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Dr. Ojukwu explained, “The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka wishes to inform all graduands, friends of the University, the University Community, and the general public that the 18th convocation ceremony of the University earlier scheduled for May 30 and 31, 2024, has now been rescheduled to May 31, 2024.”
He added, “This adjustment was necessary due to the federal government’s inauguration of the new Governing Council members on May 30. Consequently, all activities, including undergraduate, postgraduate, honorary degree awards, and the convocation lecture, will now take place on May 31, 2024.”
UNIZIK management expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the change and emphasized that all official information regarding the convocation will come directly from the university.
