KATHMANDU: Not only has the Tribhuvan University (TU) failed to attract students to regular classes but also in its convocation ceremonies - a grandiose occasion.

Out of 55,859 students who graduated in between June 2006 and July 2008, only 4,351 are attending the 34th convocation day to be celebrated tomorrow in Kirtipur.

The presence of the Prime Minister, who is the Chancellor of the University is also doubtful, said Prem Krishna Chitrakar, chief of the Information Section, TU, talking to The Himalayan Times, today.

Of those who wished to attend the ceremony, 3,548 hold Bachelor's degree, 798 Masters and 5 PhDs.

Prof DP Singh, Vice Chancellor of Benaras Hindu University in India, is scheduled to attend the ceremony as the guest of honour. TU has not been able to hold convocation in a regular basis for the last few years, said Chitrakar.

A total of 4,351 out of 55,859 students who graduated in between June 2006 and July 2008 had applied to participate in the convocation ceremony. They include 3,548 who hold Bachelor's degree, 798 Masters and 5 PhDs. "TU conducted its 33rd Convocation day on May 8 but the graduates' turn out was merely 1,353 out of 24,351 graduates," Chitrakar said.

TU's 35th Convocation Day is scheduled for November or December, he further added.