The matriculation ceremony serves as the formal “rite of passage” for every university student. It is the moment a candidate officially transitions into a “Junior Member” of the academic community. As preparations reach their peak for the upcoming ceremony scheduled for Thursday, 12 February 2026, the university management has released a critical roadmap regarding the procurement, handling, and return of academic regalia.

This process is not merely logistical; it is an administrative requirement that ensures every student is properly attired to take the Matriculation Oath. Below is an exhaustive breakdown of the procedures, financial implications, and administrative expectations for the 2025/2026 academic session.

1. The Significance of the Academic Gown

The academic gown, or regalia, is a tradition dating back to the medieval universities of Europe. In the modern university setting, particularly during matriculation:

• Symbolism: It represents the student’s entry into a specific “Faculty” or “Guild” of scholars.

• Uniformity: It creates a sense of equality among the student body, where every individual, regardless of background, is identified solely by their pursuit of knowledge.

• Authority: Wearing the gown signifies the student’s submission to the university’s statutes and the authority of the Vice-Chancellor and Senate.

2. Gown Collection Timeline and Venue

To prevent overcrowding and ensure a seamless distribution process, the university has established a specific window for gown collection.

• Commencement Date: Monday, 9 February 2026

• Deadline: Wednesday, 11 February 2026 (Recommended to ensure fit and availability)

• Collection Point: Your respective Faculty Office.

Students are strictly advised to visit their specific Faculty Officers. For example, a student in the Faculty of Engineering should not approach the Faculty of Social Sciences for a gown, as each faculty often has distinct color-coded hoods or tassels that represent their specific discipline.

3. Mandatory Requirements for Collection

The Faculty Officers act as the primary auditors of student status during this period. To be eligible to receive a gown, you must provide proof of your financial and academic standing.

The School Fees Receipt

The most critical document is your duly stamped school fees receipt.

1. Payment Verification: Ensure your fees were paid through the approved university portal (e.g., Remita or the University Student Account).

2. Bursary Stamping: Before heading to the Faculty Office, your printed receipt must be verified and stamped by the Bursary Department.

3. Identification: It is also advisable to carry your temporary student ID card or admission letter to resolve any identity discrepancies.

Administrative Note: Photocopies of receipts are generally not accepted unless the original is presented for sighting. This prevents the fraudulent use of a single receipt by multiple students.

4. Proper Handling of Academic Regalia

Academic gowns are expensive institutional assets made from high-quality fabrics designed to last several academic cycles. Students are expected to treat them with the utmost care.

• Inspection upon Receipt: Before leaving the Faculty Office, inspect your gown for any tears, missing buttons, or stains. If any damage is found, report it immediately to the Faculty Officer to avoid being held liable upon return.

• Ironing and Maintenance: Use a cool iron or steam. Excessive heat can damage the synthetic fibers of many modern gowns.

• The “Cap” (Mortarboard): The mortarboard should be worn level on the head, with the tassel traditionally hanging to the right before the oath is taken (though individual university traditions may vary).

5. Post-Ceremony Protocols: The Return Policy

The university management emphasizes that the gowns are rented, not purchased. To facilitate the inventory management for subsequent ceremonies and other university functions, a strict return policy is in place.

Immediate Return

All gowns must be returned to the Faculty Officers immediately after the ceremony on Thursday, 12 February 2026. This allows the administrative staff to clear your name from the “Debtors’ List” and finalize the faculty records.

Late Return Penalties

Failure to return the gown on the stipulated date will trigger a financial penalty.

• Penalty Fee: ₦5,000 per day.

• Accumulation: This fee accumulates daily, including weekends.

• Academic Consequences: Unreturned gowns or unpaid penalties will lead to a “Hold” on your student portal, preventing you from checking your first-semester results or registering for the second semester.

6. Important Tips for a Successful Matriculation Day

1. The Academic Procession: Fresh students are expected to be fully robed and seated at the venue at least 30 minutes before the entry of the Vice-Chancellor’s procession.

2. Dress Code Under the Gown: While the gown covers most of your attire, students are expected to dress formally (corporate or traditional).

3. Photography: While you will want to capture the moment, ensure that your photography sessions do not delay the return of the gown. Many students incur fines because they spent too much time at off-campus photo studios.

7. Conclusion: Respecting the Institution

The matriculation ceremony is the university’s way of saying “Welcome to the fold.” By following the gown collection and return guidelines, you demonstrate the discipline and responsibility expected of a university student. The ₦5,000 daily fine is not a revenue-generating scheme but a deterrent to ensure the university’s property is respected and preserved for future generations of scholars.

The Management congratulates all fresh students and looks forward to a colorful and orderly celebration on Thursday, 12 February 2026.