A Walk Down Graduation Lane in New Zealand – UCol and Beyond

I recently attended a graduation ceremony at UCol’s Manawatū campus in Palmerston North, New Zealand. My friend, Lindokule, was graduating with a Diploma in Cybersecurity, and we all gathered to cheer him on. As I sat in the crowd, taking it all in, I couldn’t help but reflect on how different this graduation felt compared to the six others I’ve experienced across the country.

Watch the full UCol graduation ceremony here

The usual elements of a New Zealand graduation were present — speeches, proud families, students walking across the stage — but the vibe was different. More relaxed. More practical. That’s probably because UCol is a polytechnic, offering vocational courses that range from beauty therapy to mechanical engineering. It was heartwarming to see such a variety of students being celebrated for their hard work and unique journeys.

One small detail stood out. Certificate students weren’t required to wear gowns, while diploma students were. A subtle but thoughtful distinction, reflecting the diversity of qualifications and the range of accomplishments being recognised.

That day brought back memories of every other graduation I’ve attended here. Each one marked a different season of life, a different connection, and a different kind of joy.

Graduation 1 — University of Auckland (Abi)

My very first graduation experience in New Zealand was at the University of Auckland. My friend Abi had completed his master’s, and at the time, I was working casually at the Exams Reception unit. I took the afternoon off just to be there and cheer him on. His ceremony was held at Spark Arena on 4 November 2020 — the afternoon session.

That feeling of pride in someone else’s achievement never gets old. That day was my introduction to graduations steeped in culture, pride, and community. It was special and unforgettable.

Just two days before that, I had taken photos with a friend-turned-family, Ayiya, who graduated with a PhD from the same university. He had moved to Palmerston North by then, but we caught up to take some celebratory shots. I didn’t attend his ceremony, but hey, the photos count — I’m part of the frozen memories.

Graduation 2 — University of Waikato (Benny)

The second graduation I attended was at Waikato University in Hamilton. My friend Benny had invited me, and I didn’t hesitate to make the trip from Auckland. We had connected not just as Nigerians but as people with shared roots — I’m from Akwa Ibom, and she’s from Cross River. Before September 1987, we were one state.

She was graduating with a Bachelor of Law degree, and her ceremony was held at 2 p.m. on 8 December 2020 — right after the whirlwind of the first COVID lockdowns.

Graduation 3 — Mine (University of Auckland)

Then came my own. The big one. Jun 2, 2021
I graduated from the University of Auckland with a PhD in Chemical and Materials Engineering during the Winter Graduation — Ceremony Two — on 2 June 2021. At the time the graduation dates were announced, New Zealand was going through another COVID wave. Lockdowns were still in place, and many universities had already started cancelling graduations altogether.

While other countries had begun easing restrictions, New Zealand was still holding firm. I had quietly accepted that I might not get to walk the stage, or that the ceremony would be postponed. But then the wave eased, restrictions lifted, and the university confirmed it was going ahead.

I walked that stage with a heart full of gratitude, relief, and pride. “PhinisheD” — that’s how I put it, because I had finally finished with a PhD. After everything, I’ll never forget that moment.

Graduation 4 — University of Otago (Esther)

Sadly, my friend Esther didn’t get the full graduation experience. She earned a PhD in Cardiovascular Physiology from University of Otago, but the official ceremony was cancelled. Instead, degrees were handed out in a hall. They did their best to make it feel special, but let’s be honest — it wasn’t the same as walking across the stage.

Still, Esther wasn’t going to let that stop her. We all flew down to Dunedin the day before to support her as she prepared to receive her certificate on 18 December 2021. We followed her around like a personal cheer squad, took a ton of photos, and screamed our lungs out when she finally collected her certificate. It was emotional. And if I were the crying type, I probably would have cried.

Graduation 5 — University of Auckland (Zainab)

Next up was my friend Zainab, who graduated with a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Auckland. So technically, I should be calling her Dr Zainab. Yinmu, lol. We were colleagues at the time, both living in Palmerston North. Her graduation was on 19 September 2023 (Ceremony Two), and I flew up early that morning, bouquet in hand, ready to cheer her on.

To be fair, the flowers weren’t actually from me — I was just the trusted delivery person for a mutual friend who couldn’t make it. But I was all in. It turned out to be a full day of joy, laughter, and pure pride. Seeing Zainab glow with that hard-earned sense of achievement made every bit of the trip worth it. You can watch the Zainab’s University of Auckland graduation ceremony on my Youtube channel

Graduation 6 — AUT (Gift)

The most recent graduation before UCol was for my best friend, Gift, who graduated from AUT with a master’s in Professional Accounting. There was no way I was missing that. I travelled up the day before, excited and ready to celebrate her like the queen she is.

Watching her walk the stage felt deeply personal, like we had both crossed a finish line. It was one of those moments where you don’t just see how far someone has come, you feel it. And you’re honoured to have been part of that journey. Watch the full AUT graduation ceremony here

So as I sat through the UCol ceremony, I couldn’t help but reflect on how rich and meaningful these moments have been. Each graduation I’ve attended has been more than just a formal event. They’ve been celebrations of resilience, of dreams coming true, and of the friendships that have shaped my journey in Aoteroa (New Zealand).

No two graduations are the same. Some are grand, others are simple. Some involve caps and gowns, others don’t. But they all hold the same magic — that moment when hard work meets recognition, and people come together to celebrate.

And I’m so thankful I’ve had the chance to witness it all.