The Management and Senate of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) have released a comprehensive directive concerning the upcoming series of convocation ceremonies. In an effort to clear the backlog of graduands resulting from various industrial actions and the global pandemic disruptions of previous years, the University has structured the celebrations into two distinct phases. This strategy ensures that every deserving alumnus from the 2018/2019 session through to the 2024/2025 session is formally recognized and conferred with their respective degrees.

Phase I: The 6th, 7th, and 8th Combined Convocation

The first phase of this grand academic tradition is specifically designed for the older cohort of graduands. This ceremony is a significant milestone for those who completed their studies during the period of 2018 to 2021.

• Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026

• Target Graduands:

  • 2018/2019 Academic Session

  • 2019/2020 Academic Session

  • 2020/2021 Academic Session

Phase II: The 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Combined Convocation

The second phase caters to the more recent sets of graduates. This session will handle the largest volume of alumni to date, reflecting the University’s expanded capacity and the successful completion of several accelerated academic calendars.

• Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

• Target Graduands:

  • 2021/2022 Academic Session

  • 2022/2023 Academic Session

  • 2023/2024 Academic Session

  • 2024/2025 Academic Session

Mandatory Requirements and Financial Compliance

To participate in either ceremony, graduands must adhere to strict administrative protocols. Compliance is essential for the logistics of gown allocation and the printing of the official Convocation Brochure.

1. Convocation Fees and Payments

All graduands are required to pay the stipulated convocation fees via the university’s official online portal. These fees typically cover:

• Hiring/Purchase of Academic Regalia: Gowns, hoods, and mortarboards.

• Order of Proceedings: The official program booklet for the day.

• Certificate Folder: The protective casing for the original degree certificate.

• Alumni Dues: Mandatory contribution to the University Alumni Association.

2. Collection of Convocation Materials

Upon payment, graduands must present their evidence of payment (receipt) at their respective Faculty Offices. Materials to be collected include:

• The appropriate academic gown corresponding to the degree earned (B.Sc., B.A., B.Eng., etc.).

• Invitee cards for parents and guests.

• Convocation brochures.

Directives for a Successful Ceremony

Management wishes to remind all graduands of the following points to ensure the solemnity and order of the occasion:

• Punctuality: The academic procession usually begins at 9:00 AM. Graduands are expected to be fully robed and seated at the designated arena by 8:30 AM. Latecomers will not be allowed into the procession.

• Dress Code: The academic regalia must be worn over formal corporate attire. Casual wear, such as jeans or T-shirts, is strictly prohibited.

• Return of Gowns: All hired gowns must be returned to the Faculty Officers within the stipulated window (usually 48 to 72 hours post-ceremony). Failure to return the gown on time will attract a daily penalty fee, and certificates will not be issued to defaulters until all debts are cleared.

Institutional Significance

This massive undertaking by Akwa Ibom State University represents a “new dawn” for the institution. By hosting seven sets of graduates within a two-month window, the University demonstrates its administrative resilience and its commitment to the career progression of its alumni. These ceremonies serve as the formal “release” of the graduands into the labor market and postgraduate studies, providing them with the necessary documentation to pursue their future endeavors.

The University Community—including staff, students, and residents of the Ikot Akpaden and Obio Akpa host communities—is urged to cooperate with the security and traffic management teams to ensure a smooth flow of activities during these historic dates.