The 56th convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) was made even more memorable as a married couple, Mrs. Ifeoma Ukwandi Alalade and Mr. Ayo Amos Alalade, proudly joined other graduands to receive their Master’s degrees, years after missing their undergraduate convocation at the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

The convocation moment marked not just academic achievement, but a powerful story of patience, faith, love, and divine orchestration.

Taking to her social media page to reflect on the journey, Mrs. Alalade described the experience as a clear sign of divine guidance.

“There is no doubt that Divinity guided our journeys. God brought us together from Delta and Osun States to study at the University of Benin after five years of delay respectively. I believe God knows why,” she stated..

According to her, her husband was a year ahead during their undergraduate studies at UNIBEN. Along the way, it became evident that they were meant to be together as husband and wife, and they began their marital journey while still in school.

Although both were scheduled to convocate for their Bachelor’s degrees in 2011, circumstances took an unexpected turn. Their convocation date fell just a week before their traditional marriage.

Recalling the moment, Mrs. Alalade shared a memorable proverb from her late aunty, Ngo—whom she described as an “organizer per excellence”:

“Ifeoma, you can’t attend. No one has an elephant on their head and hunts a cricket with the foot.”

With that wisdom, the couple missed their UNIBEN convocation. Years later, the story came full circle.

In 2022, Mr. Alalade enrolled for an MBA at the University of Lagos and gained admission.

Similarly, Mrs. Alalade also enrolled in 2023. While her husband completed his programme in 2024, his set could not convocate that year. Mrs. Alalade completed her MSc programme in 2025, and in a remarkable twist, both husband and wife finally convocated together at UNILAG.

“For me, this isn’t a mere coincidence but another confirmation that we were truly meant to be together,” she noted.

“We thank God for everything and appreciate Him for His guidance. We are grateful for the special grace to accept His will and walk the same path side by side.”

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Their story has since resonated widely online, inspiring many with its message of perseverance, divine timing, and the beauty of shared purpose.