Richard Ginika Izuora
The Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) Ondo State has postponed its maiden Convocation ceremony, scheduled for March 21 over the scourge of Coronavirus.
Similarly, the Lagos State University, LASU has equally announced postponement of its convocation.
Ondo State recorded its first case of the Coronavirus on Wednesday in Akure, as the victim flew in from Maryland, United States of America.
Prof. Sunday Ogunduyile, Vice-Chancellor of the university, disclosed the postponement on Thursday, after rising from a four-hour board meeting with the governing council members of the institution.
The VC said the cancellation was painful because of the resources that had been put in the ceremony but said no preparation and resources were more than human lives.
He pleaded with the graduating students, parents, associates, and friends of the institution who had been preparing for the convocation for the inconveniences the cancellation might cause.
“The governing council of the institution and the management has decided to cancel the maiden convocation ceremony because of the scourge of Coronavirus.
“Although it is painful because of the resources that have been put in place for the ceremony, no preparation or resources can be equated to human life.
“We don’t want to record casualties or death which may cause regrets and maybe the cancellation will afford us the opportunity to do it better at another scheduled time.
“I use this medium to plead with all concerned to bear with us,” Ogunduyile said.
Also, LASU’s 24th Convocation Ceremonies has been postponed indefinitely.
Ademola Adekoya, the institution’s Coordinator, Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations, said this in a statement in Lagos on Thursday.
The convocation ceremonies were scheduled for Friday, March 20th to Friday, March 27.
Adekoya said that the postponement was a result of the prevailing health threats occasioned by coronavirus pandemic.
“The resolution of the Federal and State Governments is to discourage the gathering of people in public places at this point.
“The management regrets every inconvenience this postponement might cause to all our graduating students, awardees, family, friends and other stakeholders of the university.
“Further information on the 24th Convocation Ceremonies will be made available in due course,” he said.