- UNIZIK management, however, denied rescheduling due to IPOB’s threats
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, has rescheduled its convocation ceremony, initially set for May 30 and 31, to May 31 only.
This change followed a warning from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against holding events on May 30, which IPOB has declared Biafra Remembrance Day to honor those killed during the 1967-70 civil war.
IPOB had declared May 30 a sit-at-home day and urged UNIZIK and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to avoid holding events on that date.
UNIZIK management, however, denied rescheduling due to IPOB’s threats, stating that the change was necessary because the original date coincided with the federal government’s swearing-in of the new Governing Council on May 30. Dr. Emma Ojukwu, special adviser on special duties and media to the Vice Chancellor, announced the new date in a statement.
Ojukwu said, “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.
“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 18™ convocation ceremony.
“All activities involving the undergraduate, postgraduate, award of honorary degrees and the convocation lecture will now hold on May 31, 2024.
“All graduands and the public are to note this information and disregard any other information not emanating from the University. The University Management regrets any inconvenience this adjustment will cause.”