Ilorin varsity defends imposing extra cost on graduands

University of Ilorin’s management has defended the cost for sundry items imposed on its 2020/2021 set of graduands. The items are a branded T-shirts, scrolls, and lapel pins, adding up to N17,700.

Kunle Akogun, the institution’s director of public affairs, said the university was right to take the action.

“These are their personal effects and necessary commemoratory mementos for the successful completion of their programmes at the University,” he said.

He averred the “rates attached to the items are the least (sic) and indeed the lowest available in the light of the economic realities of the country.”

He added, “It is not in our character at the University of Ilorin to exploit.”

The issue has led to the graduands protesting the imposed cost. But, in his statement, Akogun blamed the protest on “misguided individuals.” He claimed “primordial and selfish reasons” spurred the protestors to carry out the action, adding “a large number of the graduates have paid for the items and convocation.”