AWKA, Anambra State – Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has rescheduled its 18th convocation ceremony due to threats from pro-Biafra groups, although the university management asserts that the adjustment was necessitated by the federal government’s swearing-in of a new Governing Council on May 30.
Initially slated for May 30 and 31, 2024, the convocation events have been condensed to only May 31, following warnings from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). These groups had issued threats to disrupt the events if they were held on a day dedicated to honoring Biafran heroes.
UNIZIK management, however, refuted the claims of security threats influencing their decision. In an official statement, the university clarified that the adjustment was made to accommodate the federal government’s inauguration of the new Governing Council in Abuja on May 30, which the university’s management is required to attend.
“The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka wishes to inform all the graduands, friends of the University, the University Community and the general public that the 18th convocation ceremony of the University earlier scheduled to hold on the 30 and 31 of May, 2024 has now been rescheduled to only May 31, 2024,” explained the university’s spokesperson, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu.
He continued, “The reason for the rescheduling is because of the federal government’s appointment of new Governing Council members who will be inaugurated in Abuja on May 30, 2024. As the University Management is expected to be present in the inauguration in Abuja, it was considered necessary and inevitable to adjust the convocation ceremony date to only May 31, 2024 for all activities of the 2024 18th convocation ceremony.”
Ojukwu assured that all convocation activities, including undergraduate and postgraduate awards, honorary degrees, and the convocation lecture, will now be held on May 31. He urged graduands and the public to disregard any misinformation not officially released by the university and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the rescheduling.
Despite the university’s official stance, local sources indicate that IPOB and MASSOB leaders, Emma Powerful and Uchenna Madu, had issued strong warnings to UNIZIK and other organizations in the region, emphasizing the significance of May 30 to their cause and their readiness to enforce compliance.
The university’s prompt adjustment underscores the delicate balance institutions must maintain in regions with active sociopolitical movements. As the new date approaches, UNIZIK remains committed to ensuring a successful and secure convocation ceremony for all involved.