The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is poised to host its 56th Convocation Ceremonies in January 2026, bringing together graduating students, parents, guardians, and the wider university community for a series of academic and cultural events. Akahi News gathered that the programme has been meticulously planned to ensure an organised and memorable graduation for all participants.
Convocation Preparations Kick Off
The events will officially commence on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with a Convocation Press Conference addressed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, at the Senate Chamber, Akoka, from 10:00 a.m. The first Convocation Rehearsal will follow at 4:00 p.m. in the J. F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, preparing students for the formal ceremonies.
Subsequent rehearsals and hooding preparations are scheduled throughout January 15–16, ensuring that both undergraduate and postgraduate students are ready for their respective graduations. The careful staging of rehearsals demonstrates UNILAG’s commitment to seamless execution and high standards for ceremonial conduct.
Key Lectures and Academic Highlights
On Monday, January 19, 2026, the convocation programme will feature the Convocation Lecture by Mr. Orondaam Otto, CEO of Slum2School, titled “Maximizing Nigeria’s Demographic Dividend through Urgent Education Reform for Global Competitiveness in the 21st Century.” The lecture, chaired by Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili, CFR, JSC (Rtd), will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the J. F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium.
Akahi News learnt that the lecture aims to inspire both graduates and the wider academic community on the urgent need for educational reforms that can position Nigeria competitively on the global stage.
Graduation Day Schedules
The convocation spans several days:
- Tuesday, January 20 – First-degree graduations for Arts, Education, Social Sciences, and other faculties. Hooding ceremonies for Bachelor degree graduates across Engineering, Law, and Health Sciences will follow. An evening Edutainment programme is also planned at the UNILAG Sports Centre.
- Wednesday, January 21 – Congregation for first-degree awards in Engineering, Law, Management Sciences, and postgraduate hooding ceremonies for higher degrees.
- Thursday, January 22 – Focus on postgraduate degrees, including PGD, Masters, and Ph.D. awards, alongside conferment of honorary and distinguished professorships.
- Friday, January 23 – Recognition of long-serving staff and a special convocation play, Ovonramwen Nogbaisi by Ola Rotimi, directed by Mr. Abiodun Abeh.
- Sunday, January 25 – Thanksgiving service to conclude the convocation activities.
Registration, Fees, and Academic Attire
All graduating students are required to pay convocation fees, which were expected alongside school fees for the session. Academic gowns, hoods, and caps can be purchased or hired, with fees ranging from ₦15,000 to ₦65,000, depending on the degree. Payment is to be made via the UNILAG Payment Portal, and students must collect their gowns with proof of payment ahead of their ceremony.
Graduates are also expected to download two e-invitation cards for their guests and register for attendance to gain admittance to the J. F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium. Certificates will be available for collection post-ceremony, with demurrage fees applicable for delayed collection. Alumni registration fees range from ₦5,000 for first-degree graduates to ₦7,500 for postgraduate alumni.
UNILAG’s Commitment to Excellence
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ogunsola, on behalf of the Governing Council, congratulated all graduating students, emphasising that UNILAG remains committed to producing world-class graduates and advancing research-driven education. Akahi News gathered that every aspect of the convocation – from rehearsals to the grand ceremony – reflects UNILAG’s dedication to academic excellence and student success.
As Nigeria’s premier university, UNILAG continues to set a benchmark in combining tradition with innovation, ensuring that graduates leave with pride, knowledge, and a sense of responsibility to contribute to national development.
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