The University of Ilorin Independent Students Electoral Commission (UISEC) has officially extended voting in the ongoing 2024/2025 Students’ Union election by two hours. Initially scheduled to end by 3:00 PM, the Commission announced at 1:50 PM that polls will now close at 5:00 PM, citing portal accessibility issues experienced by several students. The Nigeria Education News is live on campus monitoring this unfolding electoral process.
In an urgent press release signed by UISEC Chairman Peace Olajumoke Dina and Secretary Egbebi Jubril, the Commission acknowledged the complaints from students struggling to access the COMSIT-managed voting platform. The electoral body reassured the student populace that efforts are underway to resolve the technical difficulties, and encouraged eligible voters to remain patient and persistent.
“The University Of Ilorin Independent Students Electoral Commission (UISEC) hereby announces a 2-hour extension of the voting period. Voting will now conclude at 5:00 PM today,” the statement read. UISEC also emphasized that the students’ right to vote must not be hampered by technical constraints, reiterating its commitment to a credible and inclusive election.
According to UISEC’s Public Relations Officer Olawale Taoheed Okunlola, the Commission is working closely with COMSIT to ensure that the digital portal functions optimally during the remaining hours of voting. He called on all Unilorites not to relent in trying to access the platform as every vote counts in shaping the future of student leadership on campus.
Meanwhile, UISEC issued another important directive at 2:55 PM to all polling agents involved in the process. The notice instructed polling agents to report to the University Auditorium by 4:30 PM, well ahead of vote collation. The statement included strict compliance guidelines—agents must be professionally dressed, possess valid student ID cards, and are strictly prohibited from using electronic devices such as phones and smartwatches during the session.
“Polling agents are expected to maintain professionalism and adhere to all the electoral rules to ensure the transparency and smooth running of the process,” the release stated. This is part of UISEC’s broader efforts to uphold electoral integrity in what has been a fiercely contested election.
Live campus observation by The Nigeria Education News indicates increased activity around key student centres and faculties, especially the Faculties of Education and Social Sciences, from which the two leading presidential aspirants—Rasheed Afees Opeyemi (Rashaf) and Idris Ayomide Adelu (Adelu)—hail. Students are seen clustering in groups, checking their phones, and encouraging peers to keep retrying the voting platform.
Reports from several student voters reveal mixed experiences. While some have managed to vote successfully, many others have complained of time-outs, failed logins, or long waits. A 300-level Political Science student described the process as “frustrating but hopeful,” saying, “We just need to keep trying. It’s our voice that matters today.”
UISEC’s decision to extend the time has been met with both relief and renewed determination among the student body. Many regard it as a fair and proactive response to ensure equitable participation. Student organizations, faculty associations, and candidate supporters have quickly shared the update across social media platforms using the hashtag #UnilorinDecides25.
As at 3:10 PM, tension and anticipation remain high on campus. Students await a smooth resolution to the portal issues, while UISEC staff and observers prepare for the final stage of the election. All eyes are now on the closing hours, with the expectation that a new student union president will emerge from what is proving to be a dramatic and highly engaged election.
The Nigeria Education News will continue to report live from the University of Ilorin, bringing you verified updates, candidate reactions, and eventual election results as they unfold.
