OAU clarifies admission policy, reaffirms commitment to merit, National equity

The attention of the authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has been drawn to an open petition circulating in the public domain, authored by one Akin Okunowo, a self – acclaimed national leader of Anti – Cult activities in Nigeria, alleging discrimination, ethnic marginalisation and a deliberate abandonment of merit in Obafemi Awolowo University’s admission process for the 2025/2026 academic session.

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that while the University respects the right of individuals to express their concerns about public policies and institutional decisions, it considers it necessary to clarify certain fundamental issues concerning admission into federal universities in Nigeria and to correct the misleading impressions created by the petition.

FEDERAL ADMISSION POLICY AND NATIONAL EQUITY

Debunking the insinuation in the petition, Olarewaju, asserted that Obafemi Awolowo University, as a federal university, operates within the framework of national policies, regulatory requirements and admission guidelines established by the Federal Government and the relevant statutory authorities responsible for university education in Nigeria.

The Federal Government’s admission framework incorporates considerations of merit, geographical representation and the need to promote educational access and national integration. These considerations are reflected in the admission policies applicable to federal tertiary institutions, including the principles underpinning catchment areas and the policy for educationally disadvantaged states, as applicable under the relevant guidelines.

The University’s spokesman emphasised that this policy framework is intended to balance academic merit with broader national objectives, just as the Federal Character principle seeks to promote equitable representation in appointments and recruitment into federal institutions and agencies.

The objective, according to Olarewaju, is not to undermine academic excellence or punish any Nigerian on account of his or her state of origin, rather, it is to pursue fairness and inclusiveness within a diverse federation while preserving the academic standards expected of a reputable institutions like ours.

It is, therefore, important to distinguish between a policy established at the federal level and its implementation by an individual university operating under that policy.

It must be noted that OAU does not exist outside the laws and policies governing federal universities. As an institution under the supervision of the Federal Government, the University is obligated to operate in accordance with applicable national admission guidelines and the directives of the relevant regulatory authorities.

Consequently, any petition seeking a fundamental review or abolition of the Federal Government’s admission policy should appropriately be directed to the relevant organs of the Federal Government, including the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), as appropriate.

OAU REJECTS ALLEGATIONS OF ETHNIC DISCRIMINATION
The University unequivocally rejects any suggestion that its admission process is driven by ethnic hostility, a secret agenda against Yoruba students or a deliberate attempt to compromise academic standards.
Obafemi Awolowo University is a renowned national institution that welcomes qualified candidates from every part of Nigeria. Its identity, history and enduring reputation are rooted in intellectual rigour, academic distinction and the pursuit of excellence.

The University’s admission process is conducted within the applicable national regulatory framework. Accordingly, admission into competitive programmes is influenced by several factors, including candidates’ performance, the number of available spaces, programme-specific requirements and the applicable admission criteria.

Consequently, comparing the admission outcomes of individual candidates without a complete understanding of the relevant criteria, approved admission categories, available spaces and the applicable rules may produce conclusions that do not accurately represent the admission process as a whole.

The University also wishes to emphasise that differences in admission thresholds, where they arise under an applicable and duly authorised admission framework, should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of ethnic discrimination or institutional hostility.

Nevertheless, the University recognises the importance of transparency and remains committed to ensuring that its admission processes comply with applicable regulations and can withstand legitimate public scrutiny.

ON THE ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING LAW AND ACCOUNTING ADMISSIONS
The petition cites admission thresholds for Law and Accounting and alleges that candidates with lower scores were admitted while others with higher scores were denied admission.
The University considers it inappropriate to determine the fairness or otherwise of individual admission decisions solely on the basis of selected figures presented without the complete official admission records and the relevant regulatory context.
Where a candidate or parent believes that an admission decision was inconsistent with the approved guidelines, the appropriate course of action is to submit a formal complaint through the University’s established channels for verification and review.
Such a complaint should identify the relevant programme, admission session, candidate’s credentials, applicable admission category and the specific grounds on which the decision is being challenged.

The University will address properly submitted complaints in accordance with its established procedures and applicable regulations.

As one of the best Universities in Africa, OAU has nothing to gain from denying admission to qualified candidates arbitrarily, nor does it have any institutional interest in discriminating against Nigerians on ethnic grounds. In actual fact, Its responsibility is to implement the applicable admission framework fairly while maintaining the standards and integrity of its academic programmes.

A CALL FOR FACTUAL AND CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT
The University acknowledges that admission into highly competitive programmes can generate disappointment, particularly among parents and candidates whose expectations are not met.
However, disappointment with an admission outcome, no matter how deeply felt, should not be converted into sweeping allegations of corruption, ethnic conspiracy, deliberate educational sabotage or the destruction of the University’s academic standards without compelling evidence.

Public debate about admission policies is legitimate and necessary. Such debate is most productive when grounded in verified information, the applicable regulations and a clear understanding of the responsibilities of the institutions involved.

Based on the above explanation, the author of the petition is encouraged to direct any grievance concerning the underlying Federal Government policy to the appropriate federal authorities empowered to review or amend it. Any complaint concerning the University’s implementation of that policy may be submitted through the University’s established channels for appropriate consideration.

OAU remains open to constructive engagement with parents, students, education stakeholders, and members of the public who seek clarification or wish to raise genuine concerns.

GREAT IFE REMAINS GREAT
Obafemi Awolowo University remains one of Nigeria’s distinguished centres of higher learning, with a proud tradition of intellectual accomplishment, research, innovation and service to humanity.

Its reputation as Great Ife has been built over decades through the dedication of its founding fathers, successive generations of university leadership, committed members of staff, outstanding students and a distinguished alumni community whose contributions continue to resonate nationally and internationally.

Therefore, that legacy cannot reasonably be reduced to a single admission controversy, nor can it be erased by inflammatory rhetoric or unsubstantiated allegations.

The University remains committed to academic excellence, fairness, institutional accountability and the advancement of education in Nigeria. It will continue to discharge its responsibilities within the applicable legal and regulatory framework while engaging legitimate concerns with the seriousness they deserve.

Great Ife remains Great—not because it is beyond criticism, but because its enduring commitment to learning, excellence, and national development transcends the controversies of the moment.