Gulu University postpones scientific graduation indefinitely

Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Gulu University has postponed its 16th scientific graduation ceremony indefinitely following a surge in Covid-19 cases. According to earlier arrangements, the virtual ceremony initially scheduled for June 19th, 2021, was to only have 20 officials in attendance at the University premises.

These included the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor, the Chairperson Council, Academic Registrar and Deans of Faculties who were to be subjected to COVID-19 tests 72 hours before the ceremony. Graduands from the Faculty of Medicine were to make their vows on June 18th, which would be relayed on television on June 19th.

However, James Ojok Onono, the Gulu University Deputy Spokesperson told URN in an interview that senate resolved to postpone the scientific graduation ceremony in a meeting held on Wednesday afternoon after deeper deliberations where they found that they couldn’t guarantee the safety of the participants.

According to Onono, there was fear that the number of those attending the ceremony physically could even exceed the anticipated 20 since they would have other people including service providers and journalists among others.

The exact numbers of the graduands had not yet been established since some of them had not yet cleared their balances as required. Onono revealed that the postponement shall give time to the graduands to clear their dues as it is part of the graduation requirements. He says a new date for the graduation shall be announced at a later time once fixed. James Odong was scheduled to graduate with a Bachelors Degree of Information and Communication Technology.

He says that even if the graduation has been postponed, the University should have given them testimonials indicating that they have completed their studies. He says that many of them are finding it hard to apply for jobs without testimonials. Last year, 1,513 students graduated in different disciplines during the 15th graduation ceremony held by the university.

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