UNILAG Releases Full Schedule, Requirements for 56th Convocation Ceremonies

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has released the official programme of events and mandatory requirements for its Fifty-Sixth (56th) Convocation Ceremonies, scheduled to hold between Wednesday, January 14 and Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the Akoka campus.

The announcement, issued by the Office of the Registrar, outlines a multi-day programme covering rehearsals, lectures, award ceremonies, religious services, and social events, culminating in the conferment of first degrees, postgraduate degrees, honorary doctorates, and special awards.

Convocation Programme Overview

Activities will commence on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with a Convocation Press Conference addressed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, at the Senate Chamber. This will be followed by rehearsals, exhibitions, a convocation lecture, degree award ceremonies across faculties, hooding ceremonies, edutainment, and thanksgiving services.

The Convocation Lecture, scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, will be delivered by Mr. Orondaam Otto, CEO of Slum2School Africa, with Hon. Justice Mary Odili, CFR, JSC (Rtd.), as Chairperson.

Degree award ceremonies will be held across three main convocation days—January 20, 21, and 22, 2026, covering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral graduands, including the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS) and the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS).

Necessary Requirements for Graduating Students

The University has emphasized strict compliance with the following requirements by all graduating students:

1. Mandatory Convocation Fee
All graduands must have paid the convocation fee alongside their school fees. Those yet to do so must complete payment via their student portal.

2. Academic Outfit (Gown, Hood and Cap)
Academic outfits are compulsory and obtainable as follows:

• First Degree / Master’s / PGD / M.Phil.: ₦40,000 (purchase) or ₦15,000 (hire)
• Doctorate Degree: ₦65,000 (purchase only)

3. Payment Timeline

• Commencement of payment: December 29, 2025
• Deadline for payment: January 13, 2026
• Collection of gowns: From January 7, 2026

4. Collection Points
Academic outfits and Order of Proceedings will be collected at designated faculties, SPGS, ULBS, CMUL, and DLI upon presentation of payment receipts.

5. Submission of Payment Evidence
Graduands must forward proof of payment to their respective faculty or programme email addresses immediately after payment for logistical coordination.

6. Invitation Cards
Each graduand must download and print two e-invitation cards for guests. Only invited guests will be admitted into the convocation venue.

7. Registration for Attendance
Attendance registration is mandatory. Graduands must register via a link sent to their official email addresses and present the generated Access Code at the venue.

8. Return of Academic Outfit
All hired academic outfits must be returned immediately after the ceremony. Failure to return by Monday, February 9, 2026, will attract a replacement cost of ₦40,000 before certificate clearance.

9. Certificate Collection
Certificates must be collected after the ceremony.

• Uncollected certificates after one year attract a ₦10,000 demurrage fee
• Additional ₦5,000 applies for each subsequent year

10. Alumni Registration Fee

• First Degree: ₦5,000
• Postgraduate: ₦7,500
  Payments are to be made into designated UNILAG Alumni Association bank accounts.

The Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. V. Abosede Wickliffe, urged all graduating students to adhere strictly to timelines and procedures, noting that access to the convocation venue will be closed once ceremonies commence.

The Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, and the entire University community, congratulated all graduating students and assured them that certificates will be available upon completion of all clearance processes.