A growing wave of frustration
Several graduates of the University of Ibadan–affiliated programmes at the University of Ilesa have raised alarm over what they describe as “an unbearable delay” in their mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) since completing their studies in 2023. These students, who have consistently reached out to The Nigeria Education News, claim the delay stems from unresolved issues relating to JAMB regularisation, a process the university has allegedly failed to expedite despite multiple appeals and promises.
Students turn to The Nigeria Education News for help
After months of repeated complaints and unfulfilled assurances, the affected students turned to The Nigeria Education News for intervention. They lamented that all their efforts to get the attention of the school management had failed, forcing them to publicly appeal through the media for swift action. According to them, the prolonged delay has jeopardised their chances of serving the nation through the NYSC and has also hindered their employment and postgraduate prospects.
The letter of agitation
In a formal letter titled “Agitation for Quick Resolution on JAMB Regularization Issues,” the aggrieved graduates expressed their pain, frustration, and deep concern over what they described as an “unjustifiable delay.” The letter, which was addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, the Director of the Institute, and the Dean of Student Affairs, detailed the students’ experiences and called for urgent intervention.
A plea from the heart
The letter stated: “With hearts heavy with pain, frustration, and deep concern, we write this letter to express our dissatisfaction and disappointment over the prolonged delay in addressing the issue of JAMB regularization affecting several students of the University of Ilesa.” The students further noted that many of them were admitted into programmes different from what JAMB initially offered and had complied with all directives given by the institution to regularise their admission.
Broken promises and dashed hopes
Despite their compliance, the students claimed the university management has continued to make “promises upon promises” without taking tangible action. “Our lives and careers are currently on hold,” the letter continued, “and the emotional and psychological toll of this uncertainty is unbearable. We feel neglected, abandoned, and denied the right to serve our fatherland like every other graduate.” The students emphasised that their patience has run out and demanded immediate intervention.
Threats of protest if no action is taken
In their letter, the students gave the University of Ilesa a seven-day ultimatum to resolve all outstanding issues or face possible student action. “Failure to take swift and decisive action will leave us with no choice but to embark on actions that may disrupt the peace and activities of the University,” the letter warned, highlighting the growing desperation among the affected graduates.
The case of Afolabi Taiwo Oluwatosin
One of the affected students, Afolabi Taiwo Oluwatosin, a graduate of Christian Religious Studies (2023 set), described her ordeal in a separate letter addressed to the university authorities. She explained that although her JAMB regularisation had been processed successfully, the school portal had not been updated to reflect the change, thereby preventing her from proceeding with NYSC mobilisation. “This delay is causing undue stress and anxiety,” she wrote, “as it may affect my NYSC and future academic pursuits.”
Efforts made by school representatives
According to correspondences seen by The Nigeria Education News, Dr. Henry Adenigbagbe, the University of Ibadan (UI) B.Ed. Coordinator, and the Dean of Student Affairs (DSA), Dr. Odekunle, have made several visits to the JAMB office in Osogbo to resolve the issue. However, JAMB officials reportedly informed them that only the University of Ibadan could address the matter. Despite follow-up visits, the issue remains unresolved more than a year after the first report.
UI’s side of the story
Dr. Adenigbagbe reportedly informed the University of Ilesa that the issue of regularisation is not peculiar to their affiliate students. According to him, even some UI students have similar delays due to administrative backlogs. He assured that the University of Ibadan had promised to look into the matter. However, as of October 2025, there has been no official update or solution, leaving the students in limbo.
The Vice-Chancellor’s involvement
One of the students confirmed to The Nigeria Education News that she had personally messaged the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilesa concerning the matter. The VC reportedly acknowledged awareness of the issue but assured that the management was “working on it.” However, affected students insist that such responses have remained mere lip service without concrete outcomes.
A growing list of victims
The names of at least fifteen affected students were made available to The Nigeria Education News. They include:
- Afolabi Taiwo Oluwatosin – Christian Religious Studies
- Kehinde Ayodeji Boluwaji – French
- Balogun Emmanuel Olayinka – Biology
- Adekankun Adenayo Oluwafemi – Social Studies
- Oyebode Elizabeth G. – English
- Akinwunmi Omobolanle Mary – Geography
- Akintibu Funmilayo Adebukola – Educational Management
- Kazeem Kikelomo Olabisi – Economics
- Adeyemi Rachael Oluwadamilola – Yoruba
- Odedoyin Deborah Semiloore – Social Studies
- Amosun Precious Dorcas – French
- Adegbola Uthman Adebisi – Agricultural Science
- Olowo Ruth Ilerioluwa – Geography
- Adisa Oluwafunmibi Omotola – French
- Odunewu Blessing Peace – French
More students still trapped
Beyond the listed names, The Nigeria Education News gathered that more students from the 2023 and 2024 sets are also affected, though not all have issues with courses. Some only need name corrections on their JAMB portals, which require institutional approval that the university has yet to process. Their inability to regularise their records has barred them from NYSC mobilisation.
The mental and emotional burden
The affected students described their experiences as emotionally draining and mentally exhausting. “We have lost job opportunities because of this,” one of them lamented. “Our colleagues in other universities have completed their service year, while we are still at home waiting for the school to take action.” They accused the university of nonchalance and poor communication, saying it had failed to provide clear timelines for resolution.
The administrative tangle
Investigations by The Nigeria Education News revealed that the issue may stem from bureaucratic overlap between the University of Ibadan and its affiliate institutions. In such partnerships, UI retains the authority to process certain official documents, including JAMB-related updates. However, delays in inter-institutional correspondence and internal bottlenecks have left many graduates stranded, a problem that has persisted for years.
A pattern of neglect
This is not the first time affiliate students of the University of Ibadan have faced challenges with regularisation and NYSC mobilisation. In previous years, similar complaints have been recorded from other affiliate colleges, including those in Lagos and Ogun States. The recurring nature of the issue raises questions about the efficiency and responsiveness of UI’s affiliation management system.
The call for accountability
The affected students are demanding accountability and transparency. They have urged both the University of Ibadan and the University of Ilesa to set up a joint task force to handle the backlog of regularisation cases. They also called for better communication channels to ensure that students are regularly updated on the status of their records.
The Nigeria Education News’ call to action
In the light of these findings, The Nigeria Education News calls on the University of Ilesa management, in partnership with the University of Ibadan, to urgently address this matter. The continuous delay not only affects the students’ careers but also tarnishes the reputation of both institutions. Education should not be a source of frustration for young Nigerians eager to contribute to national development.
A plea for justice and swift resolution
As this investigative and exclusive report goes to press, the affected graduates continue to wait, hoping that their voices will finally be heard. “We are tired of promises,” they said. “We just want to serve our country and move on with our lives.” The Nigeria Education News joins them in calling on the concerned authorities to act swiftly and restore faith in the nation’s higher education system. The time for action is now enough of the endless waiting.
