The Senate of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has approved a special amnesty programme for overstayed students, offering a structured pathway for affected individuals to regularise their academic status and complete their programmes. The decision was reached during the institution’s 435th Senate meeting held on February 26, 2026.
According to details obtained by The Nigeria Education News, the amnesty will cover the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 academic sessions, creating a limited window for students who have exceeded their approved duration of study to return, complete outstanding requirements, and graduate. The initiative is being described by stakeholders as a timely intervention aimed at addressing long-standing academic stagnation among students.
Under the arrangement, students who had already completed their programmes but were unable to graduate due to overstay-related issues are now eligible to do so upon payment of a stipulated levy. This provision is expected to benefit a significant number of students who have been academically stranded despite fulfilling core requirements.
For students with outstanding courses, the Senate directive mandates that such courses must be completed within the approved amnesty sessions. University authorities have also introduced flexibility measures, allowing departments to reassign or waive courses that are no longer relevant or have been phased out of the curriculum.
The university fixed a levy of ₦100,000 per academic session for all affected students. Payment of this fee is compulsory and serves as a prerequisite for reactivating access to the institution’s academic portal through the ICT Unit. Only students who complete this process will be eligible to proceed with course registration and other academic activities.
In a further effort to ease the process, the Senate approved a waiver of the minimum credit unit restriction, enabling students to register for only the courses necessary to complete their programmes. Course registration will be conducted using a designated overstay registration form obtainable from faculty offices and subject to endorsement by Heads of Departments.
Students participating in the amnesty will also be permitted to attend lectures and sit for examinations, provided they complete all required documentation, including submission of proof of payment and duly signed registration forms. This measure is expected to facilitate seamless reintegration into the academic system.
Reactions from students who spoke with The Nigeria Education News indicate widespread relief and renewed optimism. Many described the decision as a “lifeline,” noting that it offers a rare opportunity to resolve prolonged academic delays and achieve graduation. University authorities, however, emphasized that the amnesty is time-bound and urged all eligible students to take immediate advantage of the opportunity.
