The admission processes at two of Nigeria’s foremost institutions the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) have been thrown into uncertainty as the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu has issued an interim order suspending all admissions into the 2025/2026 academic session. The decision comes after a Motion Ex-Parte filed by a group of candidates alleging irregularities and unfair treatment in the ongoing admission exercise.
The case, with suit number FHC/EN/CS/274/2025, was brought before the court by five aggrieved candidates Chibuzor Success, Oyeleye Zainab Ayomide, Adedeji John Samuel, Monsura Aliat Aduragbemi, and Bassey Daniel Nsikak. They sued on behalf of themselves and other affected candidates of the 2025 admission process at UNILAG and OAU. The respondents in the suit include UNILAG, OAU, and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
According to the court documents, the applicants sought four major reliefs. Chief among them was an interim injunction restraining the universities and JAMB from releasing, approving, uploading, or finalizing any admission list until their substantive motion on notice was heard and determined. They argued that continuing the admission process without addressing the alleged injustices would deny them and other candidates their constitutional rights to fair treatment and equal opportunities.
The presiding judge, Justice T. Segun-Bello, in his ruling, noted that a veritable and triable issue had been raised by the applicants, necessitating that both parties be heard in the interest of justice. Consequently, the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo and suspend all admission-related activities until the matter is determined. The case was adjourned to October 28, 2025, for further hearing.
This ruling has sent ripples across the Nigerian academic community, given the timing of the order. Most federal universities are at advanced stages of their admission processes, and thousands of students across the country are anxiously awaiting admission lists. By halting the admission exercise at two of Nigeria’s most competitive institutions, the Federal High Court has set a significant precedent likely to affect similar cases in the future.
Education analyst and CEO of Educare, Alex Onyia, was one of the first to publicize the development. In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Onyia confirmed the court’s decision and expressed satisfaction that justice was being pursued. “We have filed a Motion Ex-Parte against UNILAG and OAU. They are now ordered by the Federal High Court to suspend all admissions until all raised concerns and investigations are completed. These are our leaders of tomorrow, and we need to protect and fight for them for justice,” he wrote.
Onyia’s statement quickly gained traction online, with many students and parents praising the action as a bold step toward accountability and fairness in Nigeria’s admission processes. Others, however, expressed concerns that the ruling might cause unnecessary delays and disruptions for thousands of innocent candidates who have no direct stake in the case but are awaiting their admission offers.
The applicants’ grievances appear to center around alleged inconsistencies in the Post-UTME processes and shortlisting procedures at UNILAG and OAU. Reports suggest that some candidates with high JAMB scores and Post-UTME performances were inexplicably sidelined, while others with lower scores appeared on provisional lists. These allegations, if proven true, could raise serious questions about transparency, equity, and the integrity of Nigeria’s admission system.
For JAMB, which serves as the regulatory body for admissions into tertiary institutions, this development presents another reputational test. While the board has consistently maintained that its role is limited to approving lists submitted by universities, this case suggests that its oversight functions may come under scrutiny in court. The interim injunction effectively restrains JAMB from validating any list submitted by UNILAG and OAU until the case is resolved.
Legal experts have also weighed in on the matter, noting that the Federal High Court’s ruling is an important reminder that universities, no matter how autonomous, are not above the law. By granting the interim injunction, the court has demonstrated its willingness to protect students’ rights and ensure accountability within the education system. The adjournment to October 28, 2025, will be critical in determining whether the court will uphold the interim orders or allow the universities to proceed with admissions.
Reactions among students of UNILAG and OAU have been mixed. Some candidates welcomed the decision, believing it might give them another chance to be fairly considered. Others expressed frustration that their academic journey might be delayed indefinitely. For parents, the uncertainty adds yet another layer of anxiety, especially given the financial and emotional investments that come with preparing for university admissions.
The controversy underscores the deep-seated challenges in Nigeria’s higher education admission system. Issues ranging from quota systems, catchment areas, merit considerations, and alleged corruption often complicate what should be a straightforward process. This case has now provided a legal pathway for aggrieved candidates to seek redress rather than resigning to fate.
As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court in Enugu when it reconvenes in late October. The outcome will not only affect the immediate candidates involved but may also reshape admission practices at federal universities in the years to come. For now, thousands of hopefuls remain in limbo, waiting to see whether justice will be served swiftly enough to save their academic aspirations for the 2025/2026 session.
