Pioneer graduands of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Ijanikin, have protested the university’s ₦118,000 convocation fee, describing the charge as excessive and calling on management to reduce it and extend the payment deadline.
The graduands, under the group Concerned LASUED Pioneer Graduands, said the amount would impose an additional financial burden on fresh graduates already facing expenses associated with preparing for the next stage of their lives, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation exercise scheduled for November.
In a joint statement signed by Akinteye Babtee Babatunde, the graduands said they recognised the importance of convocation but argued that the cost should reflect prevailing economic conditions and the financial circumstances of students completing their degrees.
“₦118,000 is simply too much to bear,” the statement said, adding that graduands would also have to pay for clothing, transportation, photography, accommodation where necessary and other personal expenses connected with the ceremony.
According to an internal notice attributed to the university management, Class of 2026 pioneer degree graduands are expected to pay for the approved convocation package through the university portal between October 12 and October 30.
The fee comprises ₦20,000 for an academic gown, ₦50,000 for the brochure and certificate, ₦35,000 for the convocation package, ₦5,000 for online clearance, ₦5,000 for alumni registration and ₦3,000 for a plagiarism check.
The graduands also criticised the payment window, arguing that it would give them limited time to raise the money.
They said the financial pressure was particularly concerning for those preparing to attend NYSC orientation camps in November, which would require additional spending on travel, clothing and other necessities.
The group outlined four demands: an immediate review and substantial reduction of the fee, an extension of the payment deadline, and consideration of postponing the ceremony if an affordable agreement could not be reached. It also rejected the ₦118,000 charge in its current form.
“This is not an attempt to undermine the university or the significance of its convocation ceremony. Rather, it is a sincere call for fairness, empathy, and responsible consideration of the students who have worked hard to earn their degrees,” the statement said.
The graduands added that the ceremony should mark an important academic achievement without creating what they described as an overwhelming financial burden.
“We cannot celebrate an academic milestone at the expense of our financial stability and peace of mind,” they said.
The group urged stakeholders to engage with the university management to reach a resolution before payments are made, calling on graduands to communicate their concerns through appropriate representative channels.
The fee dispute comes ahead of the institution’s convocation for its pioneer degree graduates. The university’s response to the graduands’ demands was not included in the material available for this report.
