Parents who journeyed from far and wide to celebrate the academic achievements of their children at the joint 3rd and 4th convocation of Ajibola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, were met with shock and dismay as they were denied entry into the convocation hall on the much-anticipated day.
Despite holding valid invitation cards and having paid substantial convocation fees, several parents were left outside the premises of the main auditorium. They watched helplessly as their children marched in to be conferred with degrees—alone. The Nigeria Education News correspondents, who were on ground to cover the event, witnessed first-hand the raw emotion of many who stood under the blazing sun, holding gift bags and cameras meant to capture memories that would never be shared.
There was no announcement or prior communication to indicate that access would be restricted. As the ceremonies unfolded indoors, the university gates became a gathering point for dozens of parents, pacing restlessly, some seated on nearby pavements, and others simply staring into space in disbelief. The lack of adequate planning and crowd management quickly became the main topic of conversation among the affected families.
Mrs. Fawole, whose daughter graduated from the Faculty of Environmental Studies, expressed deep disappointment. “We paid ₦75,000 for convocation preparations. They asked us to collect invitation cards, which we did. So why are we now being shut out like we don’t matter?” she asked, voice heavy with frustration.
Another parent, Mr. Dada Ibrahim, described the situation as not only embarrassing but also an indictment on the university’s capacity for proper organization. “This kind of logistical failure doesn’t just ruin a family’s day—it dents the credibility of the entire institution,” he said. “We’re not even asking for much, just the chance to celebrate with our children.”
Parents were seen shielding themselves from the harsh sunlight using newspapers, umbrellas, and handkerchiefs. As some students exited the convocation hall, the emotional reunions were dampened by the sombre expressions on their parents’ faces. For many, what was meant to be a defining moment was reduced to a bitter memory of exclusion.
Mr. Anifowose Ahmed, who travelled from Ilorin to attend his daughter’s graduation, said he had been looking forward to the ceremony for months. “They have shown that they lack the capacity to host such a gathering. How can a university not anticipate that parents would show up? If this is the best they can offer, I fear for their future growth,” he lamented.
Attempts to engage security personnel and university staff for assistance proved futile, as officials either offered no explanation or claimed ignorance. Frustrated families waited outside for hours, many refusing to leave until their children came out, hoping for at least a photo or embrace to remember the day by.
The university’s failure to provide any form of alternative arrangements, such as outdoor screens, tents, or overflow seating, drew further criticism. Parents expressed concern over how an institution of that stature could exhibit such disregard for the emotional and financial investments made by families.
The Nigeria Education News correspondents made efforts to obtain an official statement from university authorities, but none was made available as of the time of filing this report. No public apology was issued, nor was there any effort to pacify the disappointed crowd.
Many parents emphasized that they were not seeking luxury, only inclusion. “We’ve sacrificed a lot for these children to succeed. Is it too much to ask to witness the reward of those years of toil?” said a visibly heartbroken father, declining to give his name.
As the day wound down, hugs and photographs took place not within the ceremony grounds but along the university’s outer fences and parking areas—surreal scenes that captured the disconnect between planning and expectation. What should have been a day of triumph turned instead into one of disillusionment, with many wondering whether their sacrifices had been fully respected.
