to attend or not to attend

i was shocked, to say the least (and to say it politely) when i learnt that guys graduating from the University of Nairobi have to pay KShs. 2000.00 for the graduation gown/robe. The chums might sound kidogo- esp if you start converting it into your various currencies, but at least i would imagine that you are issued with clean robes that have come out of some decent storage facility. Further consternation! After paying that 2,000.00 bob, you are shown to some room, where you find gowns and caps strewn all over the floor and from the beautiful aroma of 1yr of poor storage, you can tell that these nguos have not been washed!!! Just amazing, isnt it?
Is it just me who wants to be treated in a royal manner, or is it common courtesy that if i am giving money for a service or product, u actually offer it in a presentable manner and not like am in Gikomba looking for waste products shipped in from Canada and the US!!???

Anyway, i very cautiously mentioned to my folks how i do not see myself attending my graduation in like (at least) 5 months from now (i'm trying to get them accustomed to the idea early enough- to reduce any possibility of life endangering trauma) and i explained to them the cost of the ugly and dirty robe, and the many hours under the sun coupled with the one second announcement of my name- but NO! They don't see how we (Kibet, nuclear family & extended family& family friends) are not celebrating the joyous day at the graduation square.

Anyway, am glad i introduced the idea quite early... now i have time to push for my worthy cause. Its really just in defiance- though the uni won't really notice my absence.

Yeah, the rest of yo'all who are bout to graduate- whats the arrangement like? Do you actually feel like the uni is proud of your achievement or anxious to send u out?

lol! I was listening to BBC when i heard a program featuring the stresses of university students in China. With the number of 3million pple graduating from campus annually, the students cannot afford to be casual about school anymore! They can't skive classes when they feel like, like i often do!