Computer Science Graduate Turns Heads After Attending His Graduation Ceremony In Slippers

• Mixed reactions have trailed the decision by a Computer Science graduate to wear a traditional jalabia and slippers to his graduation
• Thokriel Yong's outfit stood out among the hundreds of graduation caps and gowns, making him a subject of discussion
• Some congratulated him for expressing his culture, while others criticised him for not taking the official event seriously

Since time immemorial, university graduations have remained formal events in which graduates are expected to have a distinct look.

In most instances, the outfit usually encompasses a graduation gown worn over an official outfit, a graduation cap, and a sash thrown over the shoulders.

Yong wore slippers to graduation

However, that tradition was challenged when Thokriel Yong, a Computer Science graduate, dressed differently at the 25th University of Juba graduation ceremony.

Hot in Juba (HIJ) reports that the ceremony brought together over 4000 students from 12 of the university's 23 colleges crossing the stage.

"Yong stole the spotlight by attending the graduation ceremony in a traditional Mundari jalabia and slippers at the John Garang Mausoleum," reads parts of the caption.

A jalabia is a loose-fitting, traditional garment with a wide cut, no collar, long sleeves, and a pocket on each side.

Yong's outfit stood out

A viral photo captured the graduate posing outside the graduation square; his hands raised excitedly.

The sight of Yong in his cultural outfit amidst a sea of graduation caps and gowns quickly became a focal point of the event.

His distinctive attire sparked a wave of social media attention, igniting a debate on the intersection of education, tradition, and personal expression.

Netizens were divided in opinion regarding the outfit, with some criticising him for taking the event too casually while others congratulated him for representing his culture.

Mixed reactions

Modong David:

"Congratulations to him, you represented the culture very well. We should always be proud of our lineage."

Jal Diew:

"It looks awkward to attend the great moments with sandals. We all know that culture is culture and crucial, but there's time for everything."

John Mawien:

"Congratulations to you, bro and more blessings and success. Scientific people are like you, always unique in their expressions."

Toluja Lo-Yiseeson Lojöjö:

"In other places, he won't be allowed to the venue. The gowns are not put on optionally. The dressing code for graduation is a must unless one is a parent or guardian accompanying the graduand!"

Oldman Solo

"It's definitely a bold move to wear traditional attire to a formal event like a graduation. However, it's also a great way to show pride in one's heritage."

Graduation inspires former street boy

Meanwhile, Baringo journalist John Macharia was emotional as his former classmate Eric Kipchumba, whom he rescued from the streets, attended his graduation.

Macharia celebrated his graduation from the ICS College, a ceremony that celebrated his academic achievement and served as inspiration for his former classmate.

After attending the event, Kipchumba disclosed that he was looking forward to being the next one wearing a gown, a contrast to the hopeless man he was before the rehabilitation.