UNILAG addresses claim of attack on bus conveying convocation gowns

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has denied claims that the institution was attacked by hoodlums in a raid on a bus conveying convocation gowns.

UNILAG’s 54th convocation ceremony was scheduled for January 16.

Ahead of the ceremony, graduands were mandated to pay the sum of N15,000 for the collection of convocation gowns.

A report, however, surfaced claiming the university campus was attacked by hoodlums on Monday.

The report said some graduands who paid for gowns received a notice from the school management that the collection of the gowns had been suspended due to vandalism by unknown hoodlums.

“We regret to inform you that the distribution of SPGS academic gowns is now suspended. Sadly, the remaining gowns were stolen and our bus vandalised this afternoon,” the university’s email was quoted as reading.

But in a statement responding to the matter, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the university’s PRO, denied that the institution was attacked by hoodlums.

She, however, said the university management had a crowd control situation during which some gowns were taken by the student, hence the suspension of distribution.

“The incident that occurred at the university on the said date had to do with crowd control during the release of academic gowns to graduating students of the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) ahead of their convocation ceremony,” the PRO told TheCable.

“During the incident, some yet-to-be-issued gowns were taken, and the vehicle where the gowns were kept and being distributed from was damaged.

“The incident is currently being investigated to ascertain its cause, culpable individuals, level of damage, and to prevent a recurrence.

“We appreciate our esteemed stakeholders for their concern, and plead with the general public to disregard wild narratives trailing the incident.”