The Negative Side of UNIOSUN’s Convocation Management Should Have Looked Into

Reloaded News Desk

The ongoing 2026 convocation of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) may have been a celebration for graduands and their families, but the experience outside the university premises left many residents and visitors frustrated as severe traffic congestion disrupted movement around the institution on Tuesday.

The gridlock stretched through the Testing Ground Junction towards the Shasha axis and the university, leaving motorists and commuters trapped for extended periods.

Residents complained of wasted time and fuel as vehicles moved slowly through the congested routes, while some people were left gasping for breath and struggling to reach the university for the convocation activities.

For parents and families who travelled to celebrate their children and relatives, the situation was particularly difficult.

Some parents and graduands were seen trekking considerable distances towards the university, with some parents carrying coolers containing food and drinks on their heads after abandoning vehicles far from the venue.

Graduands in their academic gowns were also among those forced to walk long distances to get to the ceremony.

The situation raises questions about the level of traffic and crowd management planning put in place ahead of an event that was expected to attract a large number of graduates, parents, relatives, guests and other members of the public.

The university management could have worked more closely with agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to develop a coordinated traffic management plan around the institution and adjoining roads.

Strategic deployment of traffic officers at major junctions and access points could have helped regulate vehicle movement, direct motorists and reduce the pressure on the already busy routes.

Security arrangements at the university entrance also deserve attention.

With a large crowd converging on the institution, stronger deployment of trained security personnel and more organised access control would have provided greater reassurance and helped manage the movement of people into the university premises.

A major university convocation should not only be judged by the ceremony itself. The experience of the people who travel to attend it matters too.

UNIOSUN has grown into an important institution in Osun State, and its major public events will naturally continue to attract large crowds.

That makes proper traffic management, crowd control, security coordination and communication with surrounding communities an important part of event planning.

The difficulties experienced on Tuesday should therefore be seen as an opportunity for the university management and relevant authorities to review what happened and improve preparations for future major events.

The success of a convocation should extend beyond the stage where certificates are presented. It should also include the safe, orderly and dignified experience of the thousands of people who come to celebrate with the graduands.