By Jensen Brian Abass Cummings
The Shift in Convocation Traditions Among Sierra Leonean Students: A Call for Reflection
Real-life examples of this trend can be found at the most prominent universities in Sierra Leone. For instance, at Fourah Bay College (FBC), one of the oldest and most reputable institutions in West Africa, it has become increasingly common to see students posting elaborate photoshoots in their graduation gowns weeks before the actual convocation date. These images are often shared with captions celebrating achievements that are yet to be formally awarded. At the Institute of Public Administration and Management, (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone (USL), the same trend is evident; students engage in coordinated photoshoots, sometimes involving friends, family members, and props, with a focus on producing high-quality, social media-ready content.
Njala University is another institution where this shift in behavior is visible. Students there have taken to social media to showcase their pre-convocation celebrations, sometimes even complete with congratulatory banners and parties. It is not unusual for a graduating student to post a series of photos and videos days ahead of their official ceremony, receiving congratulatory messages before the degree has been conferred. This pre-celebratory behavior has become so prevalent that some students now consider it a necessary part of their graduation process.
Where is the respect and the anticipation that used to accompany such a significant milestone? I stand to be corrected, but it seems we have lost something important in our pursuit of instant gratification and social recognition. Posting graduation photos before formally receiving a degree is not just a break from tradition; it overlooks the reality that, until the degree is officially conferred, it can still be withheld by the institution. Sharing photos prematurely creates an air of false finality that, for many, undermines the sense of accomplishment felt on the actual day of the ceremony.
As someone who graduated under the old system and had the opportunity to study abroad, I can attest that many other countries maintain stringent rules around their convocation ceremonies. These rules preserve the dignity of the event, ensuring that the awarding of degrees remains the focal point. Graduates are expected to uphold the solemnity of the ceremony, understanding that it is not merely a formality, but an important academic tradition that acknowledges the efforts and achievements of the students.
This brings me to a heartfelt recommendation: university authorities in Sierra Leone should consider re-establishing rules that reinforce the significance of convocation ceremonies. Regulations around the use of academic regalia and the timing of photoshoots should be put in place to maintain the respect and solemnity that these ceremonies deserve. Likewise, students preparing for convocation should be encouraged to understand the value of waiting until the degree is formally conferred before widely publicizing their photos. By adhering to these practices, we can restore the dignity of convocation and honor the true purpose of this academic milestone.
The shift in how we view convocation speaks to a broader cultural change influenced by the desire for online visibility and recognition. But convocation should be more than just another social media event; it should be a moment of personal pride, shared among close friends and family, marked by the formal recognition of years of hard work. It is time for us, as a society, to reflect on how we can uphold the values that made this ceremony special for generations before and ensure that future graduates can experience the same sense of pride and respect.
