It is very common for most people to leave their certificates in their respective schools after graduation. Some persons only remember to collect their certificate when they are about to apply for a job, or when their company is demanding for the original copy of the certificate for sighting, or during the process of seeking to further their education, etc. One can simply say that certificates are only sort for only when the need arises. This development has left exams and record department of most schools filled with unclaimed certificates.
UNILORIN Decisive Approach
The University of Ilorin has observed this trend and has taken a decisive step to address it. The institution has urged its graduates, both undergraduate and postgraduate, to promptly collect their unclaimed certificates.
This is contained in an internal memorandum dated 18th December, 2024 which is also displayed in this post. In memo, the institution stated that it had observed a significant backlog of uncollected certificates, which led to the latest directive.
Friday, 17th January, 2025 is the Final Deadline for Certificate Collection
The Registrar, M.A. Alfanla, who signed the memo has set a final deadline for certificate collection to be on Friday, 17th January, 2025. Those who fail to collect their certificates on or before the stipulated date will be charged a penalty of ₦3,000 for each week of delay.
According to the memo, “The University Management, therefore, urges all affected graduates to collect their certificates on or before Friday, 17 January 2025. Failure to do so thereafter will attract a fine of ₦3,000.00 per week,”
Requirements for Certificate Collection
To ensure a stress-free certificate collection, the institution has listed necessary documents that should be brought.
These include proof of payment for convocation, the original copy of the Statement of Results, the Student Identification Card, and any other relevant documentation.
Conclusion
Unclaimed Certificates in school’s custody is not only common in Universities, but can also be seen in Primary and Secondary Schools. Some Headmasters and Principals’ office are filled with old files containing uncollected certificates.
While UNILORIN approach is laudable, we can equally say that the fine is somehow big. So, for a person who fails to collect his/her certificate in one year, that’s 52 weeks; the person should be ready to pay ₦156,000.00 as fine.
Only time will tell whether this approach will solve the challenges of unclaimed certificate backlog in schools or not. For now, please go and collect your certificate before the deadline. Inform others.
Comment below if you are yet to collect any of your certificate from any institution. What’s your take on the ₦3,000.00 per week fine for defaulters?