Graduation

Preparing to Graduate

Determine the manner in which you will receive an invitation to the graduation and the procedures required for registration.
Qualification and Invitations
What are the venues and dates of the ceremonies? +

Lumina Open University plans to host its upcoming graduation ceremonies on ______ 2025, at ___________.

Does receiving an email invitation confirm my eligibility to graduate? +

To be eligible for graduation at Lumina Open University, you must have settled all study-related debts with the institution, as this is your responsibility. Additionally, your name must be included on the approved pass list. According to university regulations, no qualification will be awarded or conferred upon any student with outstanding study-related debts, including library fines. Therefore, receiving a graduation email invitation does not confirm the successful completion of your studies. You must ensure that you meet these requirements to be eligible for graduation.

Which specific ceremony will I receive an invitation for?+

Lumina Open University plans to hold three graduation ceremonies:

  • Monday, ?, 2025 – Morning – 10:30 AM
  • Monday, ?, 2025 – Afternoon – 3:30 PM
  • Tuesday, ?, 2025 – Morning – 10:30 AM

Please note that these dates and times are subject to change. The final schedule, including details of the confirmed four ceremonies, will be provided in the official email invitations.

You will have the opportunity to select the most convenient date and time. However, registration operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and spaces are limited.

What if I register but am not eligible to attend?+

You will not be eligible to graduate or attend the ceremony if your award has not been approved or if you have outstanding debts to the University. In such cases, the Awards and Ceremonies Team will not process your registration, and your name will not appear in the graduation proceedings. If you successfully complete your studies but still have outstanding debts, you will be invited to the next available ceremony after clearing them. Similarly, if your studies remain incomplete or your award is not approved, you will be invited to a future ceremony once you meet the requirements.

What if I decide to graduate in absentia?+

Degree certificates and graduation documents are issued by the Diploma Production Office and are typically dispatched by post within six months of confirming a graduate’s results.

If you do not receive your degree within this period, you can contact luminauniversity@gmail.com for assistance.

Attending a graduation ceremony is not required to officially graduate; these ceremonies are celebratory events, and once your degree is awarded, you are considered a graduate.

What if I want to register after the deadline has passed?+

Once bookings for graduation ceremonies close, no further student registrations will be accepted.

Students will have the opportunity to apply for a future ceremony; however, priority will be given to those who complete or pass assessments in the relevant academic year. Any remaining tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to those on the deferral list, though availability cannot be guaranteed.

Attending a ceremony will not be required to graduate—these events will be celebratory, and once a degree is awarded, the student will officially be a graduate.

What if I register but am not eligible to attend?+

We will be inviting the following students to register:

  • Students who defer their graduation from one year to the next.
  • Eligible students who complete their course and are verified by the exam boards.
  • Students who pass assessments in a given year will receive invitations after the necessary processing period to ensure all eligible graduates are included.
  • Offer opportunities for you to provide feedback on the quality of our programmes and support services, and keep you informed about the actions taken in response.

If you believe you should have received an invitation but have not, please check your junk and spam folders. If the email is not there, contact us with your full name, student number, and date of birth, and we will verify your eligibility.

Students who complete assessments within the academic year will typically be invited towards the end of that year, while those graduating later in the year will receive invitations early in the following year.

Visas
I require a Visa to attend the graduation ceremony+

The Lumina Open University Graduations Team can provide Visa support letters if required. However, you must first complete your Visa application process. We will only process requests for Visa support letters if they are accompanied by a valid booking reference. Additionally, the relevant Visa authorities may require further details to assess your application. When registering for graduation, you will need to provide the necessary information to support your Visa request.

To ensure a smooth process, check the Visa requirements, determine if you need one, and apply for the appropriate category.

How do I get official confirmation and a Visa letter for my graduation and guests?+

Students traveling for the Lumina Open University graduation ceremony and whose previous Visa has expired must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa online.

If you require a support letter for your application, you can request one during the registration process. To do so, you will need the following details:

  • Your full name (and the names of any guests requiring a Visa)
  • Your booking reference number
  • Your passport number (and those of any guests needing a Visa)
  • Your date of birth (and the same for any guests)
  • Your address (and the same for any guests)

How do I apply for a NIG visa?+

Check whether you need a Visa and which type to apply for NIG.GOV

Complete your application, make payment, and schedule an appointment at the designated Visa Application Centre online.

All applicants for a visit Visa can now use the upgraded online application system, which is faster, simpler, and more user-friendly. Visit the NIG as a Standard Visitor.

Attend your appointment at the Visa Application Centre to submit your application and biometric data. You may also choose from additional services to enhance your experience.

When should I apply?+

Lumina Open University in Nigeria advises all applicants to keep in mind that the processing time for visit and non-settlement visa applications is typically 15 working days from the date of submitting their application and biometric data at the Visa Application Centre. We encourage applicants to plan their travel accordingly and apply well in advance to avoid any delays.

You can apply for a NIG visit visa up to 3 months in advance.+

The Nigerian government allows visit visas to be post-dated for up to 3 months to match your intended travel date.

Which type of visit visa should I apply for?+

Nigeria now offers four types of visit visa routes. The most common is the Standard Visitor Visa, which allows you to travel to Nigeria for tourism, visiting family and friends, shopping, and attending graduation ceremonies.

How can I prove my circumstances, funds, and intent to leave?+

It depends on the visa type. Find full guidance online—start here for the right information for your situation.

Do I need to buy a flight ticket and submit it with my visa application?+

The Nigerian immigration authorities do not require flight tickets to be submitted with a visa application. Refer to the full guidance for details.

Do I need to provide my financial details if someone else is funding my trip?+

We understand that a sponsor may help fund your trip. However, you must still prove you can support your stay. Check how to provide evidence here

Can I apply for a visa from my country of residence if I’m not a citizen?+

You can apply for a Nigerian visit visa from any country, whether you are a resident there or not. However, processing may take longer if you are not a resident. If applying from another country, ensure you select the correct location on the Nigerian government system to access the right appointment details for the Visa Application Centre.

Flight Tickets & Booking Confirmations
Ticket Payment Deadline+

Guest ceremony and Alumni Evening Celebration tickets must be paid for at the time of registration via credit card or bank transfer. Unpaid tickets by 28 March 2025 will be released to those on the waiting list.

Ticket Delivery+

All tickets will be sent via email as e-tickets before the ceremony. Keep your e-ticket handy, as it includes your seat number and is required for entry on the day.

Booking Guest Tickets+

Guest tickets are available for purchase during the booking process and grant entry to the ceremony room. Children aged 10 and under can attend for free, but their seats must be reserved in advance.

Ticket Charges+

Graduate tickets are free. Guest tickets require payment, with the cost displayed during registration.

Changing Your Booking+

Instructions for modifying guest tickets, Alumni Evening Celebration tickets, gown hire, or photography are in your booking confirmation. For further assistance, email: luminaopenuniversity@gmail.com

Accessible Seating Arrangements+

You can inform us during the booking process if you or your guests require wheelchair access or other accessible seating arrangements at the Barbican.

If circumstances change, please contact us as soon as possible at luminaopenuniversity@gmail.com

Please note that we are unable to provide wheelchairs or mobility aids.

Guest Unable to Attend+

If a guest is unwell and cannot attend, you may request a ticket refund. Requests must be submitted before the deadline specified in our Cancellation and Refund Policy below

Academic Attire & Photography
Wearing Academic Robes+

Yes, all graduates walking the stage must wear full academic robes. If you don’t own the correct attire, you must hire it in advance. You can do this through our official gowning and photography provider during registration and booking.

Dress Code with Robes+

Graduates should dress formally, such as wearing a collar and tie, while sportswear is not permitted.

Armed forces personnel may wear their uniform, religious members can dress in their customary attire, and graduates are welcome to wear their national dress.

Collecting Your Robes+

Upon arrival at the Barbican, collect your robes before the ceremony and return them before leaving. Staff will be available to direct you to the collection and drop-off points.

TIP: While the hood attaches with Velcro, bringing pins or safety pins can help secure it in place. Hair grips may also be useful for securing your hat.

How do I book professional photography?+

Details on how to book will be outlined in your invitation.

Please note that photography can be booked on the day, but advanced booking highly recommended. Phisotography booked in advance must be booked and purchased at least two weeks before your allotted ceremony day.

You will be able to book this during the registration process when booking your tickets and robes.

There will also be the opportunity to purchase a photo of you crossing the stage as well as other professional photography on the day.

Unable to Attend
What If I Can’t Attend the April Ceremonies?+

If you are eligible for graduation in April 2025 but cannot attend, please inform us so we can add you to the list for future ceremonies.

You may apply for the 2026 ceremony, but please note that priority will be given to those who completed assessments in 2025.

Any remaining tickets will be offered to those on the deferral list on a first-come, first-served basis, as availability for future events cannot be guaranteed.

What if I can’t attend or need to change my ceremony options?+

To cancel purchased tickets, please email us at events luminaopenuniversity@gmail.com

For gowning or photography cancellations, please contact Marstons Robingtheir details are in your booking confirmation.>

All requests must be submitted before the deadline stated in our Cancellation and Refund Policy. Unfortunately, cancellations after this date are non-refundable.

Policy on Cancellations and Refunds+

Please review our updated 2025 Terms and Conditions (coming soon).

Graduation Privacy Notice+

Please check our updated 2025 Graduation Privacy Notice (coming soon).

Administrative Campus:

21 Channel TV Road,
Isheri Community Estate,
Lagos State, Nigeria.

Academic Campus:

10 Tunji Idowu Street,
Orile Agege, Behind TimeOnKairos Polytechnic,
Lagos-Abeokuta Express Way, Lagos State, Nigeria.

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08055108185, 07033854692

Email:

info@luminauniversity.com.ng
luminaopenuniversity@gmail.com

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