Why UNILAG must postpone convocation

There are indications that the University of Lagos (UNILAD) may put off its 50th convocation ceremonies billed to hold on February 19, as the ongoing strike embarked upon by non-academic staff at the university bites harder, even as the protesting staff vowed not to supply social amenities needed during the convocation.
It was gathered that the workers, under the aegis of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and the Associated Institutions and the National Association of Academic Technologists, have shut some administrative buildings on the university campus.
The striking workers have also extended their protest to the UNILAG Staff School, creating panic among pupils and parents.
Speaking to journalists, the chairman of NASU at UNILAG, Kehinde Ajibade, said the university authorities have been warned to postpone the convocation.
“The stand of the union is that the university management should suspend the convocation. There is no way to do the convocation when the three unions are on strike.
“The environment is not going to be conducive, no water and electricity, among others. The management of the UNILAG is expected to do the needful and postpone the convocation ceremony,” he said.
The university’s principal assistant registrar, information unit, Mrs. Taiwo Oloyede, expressed uncertainty over the organisation of the convocation as scheduled.
“I cannot say anything categorical on that. We are having a management meeting today and I hope that we will resolve all issues relating to the convocation,” she said.
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