Convocations on Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) are not just academic ceremonies but have evolved into full blown unofficial festivals. They are the most anticipated academic ceremonies on campus as students seize the opportunity to unwind from campus stress. Once white tents begin to float around campus, the OG students know that it is about time. From free jollof to souvenirs, cancelled classes and all the goodies that come with convocation, OAU students are sure to never miss out from the fun.
If you have never experienced a traffic hold up in Ile-Ife before, wait till it is OAU convocation day and you will begin to wonder if you are on Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Vehicles line up from campus gate to as far as Ibadan road for hours just to enter campus, as families of the graduates troop in in their numbers. You’re most likely to see someone’s great-grandmother on that day. OAU calls it a convocation ceremony but to most graduates, it is more of a reunion party. Most times, students living off campus have to struggle to get buses that would transport them to campus.
The major highlight of the period is the special convocation rice. Are you really an OAU student if you do not eat convo rice? Whether you have to struggle for it like your life is on the line or you get a special invite from the celebrants, as an OAU student you must surely eat rice. Some students are so intentional to the extent that they create WhatsApp groups just to share locations where food is being given. Funny names like ‘CONVO RICE UPDATE’ and the like are used to name these groups. One student alone can get up to ten packs of food and drinks. Usually, during this period, students rarely cook as they would have gathered food that can last them for days. They parade campus with different colours of coolers, not ready to take ‘plate has finished’ as an excuse. Food, food and more food is the true spirit of convocation. Shame? It is a tradition and absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.
Another tradition that puts the atmosphere in a festive mood is the convocation play by the Dramatic Arts students that is free-ticketed for all students. Normally, students pay to watch their performances but with the convocation period comes a free pass to Oduduwa Hall to enjoy a beautifully acted play. It is such a wholesome moment as OAU students gather to watch these plays laughing, sobbing, reacting loudly, and sometimes giving commentaries. Now, what is more honourable than watching a play with the Vice-Chancellor?
The economic boom that comes with the period excites studentpreneurs. Make-up artists, photographers, clothing vendors and food vendors especially make a year’s profit in days. Even Town-gboro and bike riders are not left out from this cash out season.
The free fashion parade show students get for free is icing on the cake. Most female undergraduates begin to get outfit inspiration for their convocation already. Trust students to thoroughly criticise bad outfits.
In conclusion, OAU convocation has grown beyond formal speeches and awarding of certificates. It is now a week for students to enjoy and celebrate. Everyone is in graduation spirits and food becomes their love language.