Hundreds of graduates from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, are facing an uncertain future as the institution has yet to issue their original certificates months after their December 2024 convocation.
The delay, reportedly linked to the university’s transition to a new certificate design, has left many graduates unable to move forward with their careers. For professional courses, especially medicine, the situation has become critical, as graduates cannot complete mandatory registration processes without official documentation.
Several affected graduates described the situation as frustrating and damaging. One medical graduate revealed that they have been unable to secure full registration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), a requirement for practising legally in Nigeria. Without this certification, they remain unable to work despite completing years of intensive training.
The issue extends beyond medical graduates. Many others across different disciplines say they are stuck at home, unable to apply for jobs or pursue further opportunities due to the absence of their original certificates.
Sources within the institution suggest that this is not a one-off problem but a recurring administrative challenge. Reports indicate that the previous graduating class also experienced a similar delay, with some waiting over a year to receive their certificates.
Frustration has grown among the Class of 2024, with some questioning why the redesign process was not properly planned in advance. The delay has also created a backlog for professional bodies like the MDCN, further complicating registration processes.
Graduates are now calling on the university’s management and Senate to urgently address the situation, warning that continued delays are disrupting careers and wasting valuable time.
As of the time of reporting, efforts to obtain an official response from the university management were unsuccessful.