TENES AND ASPECTUAL FUNCTIONS IN THE CONVOCATION BOOK OF AJAYI CROWTHER UNIVERSITY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

This study examined the use of tense and aspectual functions in the order processing sections of the convocation books of Ajayi Crowther University and the University of Ibadan. The study aimed to identify the dominant tenses used in the convocation proceedings, analyze the role of aspectual forms in enhancing clarity and coherence, and compare the linguistic patterns used by the two universities. The research adopted a qualitative content analysis design. Data for the study were obtained from selected convocation books of Ajayi Crowther University and the University of Ibadan, particularly the sections containing the order of procession and order of proceedings. The texts were carefully examined and instances of tense and aspect were identified and analyzed to determine their functions in the ceremonial documents. The findings revealed that the simple future tense was predominantly used to describe the sequence of ceremonial actions, while the simple present tense was used to express institutional authority and general declarations. The present perfect aspect was also frequently used to indicate that graduands had fulfilled the necessary academic requirements prior to the conferment of degrees. The study further showed that both universities employed similar linguistic strategies, although Ajayi Crowther University incorporated religious expressions reflecting its institutional identity, while the University of Ibadan maintained a more secular tone. The study concluded that appropriate use of tense and aspect enhances clarity, professionalism, and effective communication in formal academic documents such as convocation book.