The forthcoming convocation ceremony of the Adeyemi University of Education, Ondo in Ondo state may be on the verge of disruption as graduates of the school have threatened to disrupt the ceremony with a massive protest over recent hikes in convocation and certificate-related fees.
The warning was contained in an open protest letter addressed to the institution’s management, condemning a fresh policy directing that varsity officials withhold academic documents from graduates who do not pay the increased charges.
The letter, signed by members of the graduating Class of 2022, described the fee increments as “unjustified” and “oppressive.”
According to the letter, the convocation gown and booklet fee has been raised from ₦10,000 to ₦30,000, while the certificate collection fee has increased from ₦15,000 to ₦25,000.
Most contentious, however, is the new policy that withholds statements of results — documents essential for job applications, NYSC enrollment, and further studies — until graduates pay the convocation fee, even if they do not intend to participate in the ceremony.
The graduates emphasised that education should not be used as a tool for exploitation.
They questioned the rationale behind the fee increases and demanded transparency from the university.
The letter called on the management to reverse the new fees, decouple the release of academic documents from ceremonial charges, and include student and alumni representatives in future policy decisions affecting financial matters.
The protesters also warned that if their demands are not addressed, they would escalate the matter through public demonstrations, media engagement, and legal and policy advocacy.
Part of the letter reads: “Strong Objection to the Recent Unjustified Fee Increases for Convocation, Certificate Collection, and Withholding of Academic Documents (Statement of Results) for the 2021/2022 Academic Session. To the Management of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, Ondo State:
“This letter is written in firm protest against the recent increase in convocation-related fees and certificate collection fees for the 2021/2022 set, and the concerning new policy tying the payment of said fees to the release of academic records (statement of results) for the 2022/2023 graduating set.”
