UNILAG Student Opens Up About Missing Convocation After Six-Year Academic Journey
A female student from the University of Lagos has shared a heartfelt explanation for why she did not participate in the institution's convocation ceremony alongside her coursemates. The ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, marked the graduation of the 2024/2025 academic session cohort. However, this particular student's journey took an unexpected turn, leading to an emotional revelation that has resonated with many.
The Reason Behind the Missed Celebration
Identified on TikTok as @it_bamzz1, the student disclosed that her inability to graduate stemmed from failing just one course. In a candid video post, she expressed her feelings of disappointment and resilience. She captioned her video with poignant words: "My mate dey convocate today, Me I no convocate. Never thought I’ll become a failure cos of 1 course. I accepted what the world threw at me. After 6 whole years I’m going back to rewrite. It’s part of the success story." This honest admission highlights the challenges many students face in their academic pursuits, where a single setback can delay graduation significantly.
Overwhelming Support and Shared Experiences
The student's post quickly garnered attention, with numerous individuals offering encouragement and sharing their own stories of academic struggles. Comments flooded in, reflecting a community of support:
- Big Mo reassured her: "We go again next year Momma.... God is with us. You're not alone."
- NanaHayisha03 shared a similar experience: "I carry course from 200lv till 400lv, i spill n write n rewrite and still fail am?? i sha graduate n serve laslas and we move."
- I AM THE INFLUENCE emphasized: "You are not a failure bamz you were never one and you never become one ❤️ the school doesn't define you. You are a child of grace destined for Great things."
- Jewelry Seller in Lagos expressed surprise: "So sorry about this, but I thought Unilag helps undergraduate students that fails just a course."
- ibk's cakes offered solidarity: "I enter sch 2017 and graduated 2024. see my sister I don't really comment on ur page but u are really an overcomer."
These responses underscore the commonality of such setbacks in higher education, fostering a sense of unity among those who have faced similar hurdles.
Broader Context of Academic Challenges
The story also touches on related themes, such as the balancing act many students must manage. For instance, jarknycecloset mentioned missing their own convocation due to childbirth, while LAWLAH CAKES highlighted the difficulties of juggling motherhood, business, and academics. Additionally, Aisha shared her ongoing struggles with a SIWES (Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme) logbook issue, illustrating that academic delays can arise from various administrative or personal factors beyond course failures.
In a connected narrative, another UNILAG graduate celebrated her convocation by sharing throwback clips of when she had to beg for school fees, showcasing the diverse obstacles students overcome to achieve their degrees. This juxtaposition of stories highlights the resilience and determination prevalent in Nigeria's educational landscape.
Reflections on Success and Perseverance
The student's message resonates as a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity. By framing her situation as "part of the success story," she reframes failure as a stepping stone rather than an endpoint. This perspective encourages others to view academic setbacks as temporary hurdles that can be overcome with time and effort.
Overall, this incident sheds light on the emotional and practical challenges students encounter in Nigerian universities, prompting discussions about support systems, academic policies, and the importance of mental resilience. As the student prepares to rewrite her course, her story serves as an inspiration to many who may be navigating similar paths in their educational journeys.
