UNIZIK Bows to IPOB, MASSOB Threats, Adjusts Convocation Date

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, has rescheduled its 18th convocation ceremony following threats from pro-Biafra groups. Initially slated for May 30 and 31, the events will now be held solely on May 31.

Despite claims that the adjustment was due to threats from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), the university management stated the change was necessary because the original date coincided with the federal government’s inauguration of a new Governing Council on May 30.

Leaders of IPOB and MASSOB, Emma Powerful and Uchenna Madu, had warned UNIZIK and other organizations in the Igbo region against holding events on May 30, a day designated to honor Biafran heroes.

In a statement issued by Dr. Emma Ojukwu, Special Adviser on Special Duties and Media to the Vice Chancellor, the university explained the adjustment was due to the inauguration of the Governing Council in Abuja, which the management is required to attend.

“The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka wishes to inform all graduands, friends of the University, the University Community, and the general public that the 18th convocation ceremony of the University, earlier scheduled for May 30 and 31, 2024, has now been rescheduled to only May 31, 2024,” Ojukwu stated.

He added, “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.”

All activities, including undergraduate and postgraduate convocations, award of honorary degrees, and the convocation lecture, will now take place on May 31. The university has asked all concerned to disregard any other information not issued by the university and apologized for any inconvenience caused by the rescheduling.