Why you will no longer hear your name called during university graduation

Graduation ceremonies are not what they once were.

A growing trend among local universities has seen graduation ceremonies shortened to accommodate the large numbers of graduands.

The University of Nairobi used this new style during its 56th Graduation Ceremony on December 2, 2016.

University of Nairobi students during rehearsal for their graduation

While in the past relatives would troop to the village just to hear their kins’ names being called out, it is obvious that will not be the case anymore.

To begin with, you are unlikely to hear your name called out if you do not score first class honours in your respective degree. There is also the accelerated schedule, which sees most ceremonies end before 2pm.

“My graduation ceremony started at around 8am and ended at around 1pm,” recalls Benard Mulla, who graduated from The Technical University of Kenya in December 2016. “I think it took such a short time because only the second names of graduands were called out.”

David Mwirigi was late to his graduation ceremony in Moi University. He recalls, however, that he barely missed anything.

“Only the degrees and the number of graduands in the department were mentioned. No names were called out, except those who had attained first class honours. We were done within the next hour,” he says adding that: “It was a bit underwhelming, to be honest. I think the students who had brought their families were the most disappointed not to hear their names called out. But it was also a relief, because it saved some time, and at the end of the day we were graduates still.”

Cavin Ojijo, a graduate of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, agrees that the new system is beneficial.

According to Dr. Mutua, Assistant Dean of Students at Moi University, the adoption of these practices could not have come at a better time:

“It is simply practical. Numbers are high, so it is a bit hard to call out each and every one of the students’ names.”adding that: “Graduation is not about the calling out of names, but a celebration of your accomplishments as a student.