In a shocking turn of events that has sparked nationwide discussions across Nigeria’s education sector, a 200-level Law student of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, has threatened to sue the institution for a staggering ₦500 million over what he describes as a fake and unapproved admission. The case, which raises serious questions about admission transparency and institutional accountability, has quickly become a trending topic among university students and education stakeholders.
Background of the Case
The student, identified as Akinlolu Richard Omisade, claims he was duly offered admission to study Law at Achievers University through an official admission letter dated August 16, 2024. According to reports, he began his academic journey in good faith and is currently a 200-level student of the institution.
However, trouble began when Omisade attempted to verify his admission details on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) portal — only to discover that his name was missing from the list of officially admitted candidates. This unexpected discovery left him shocked and uncertain about the legitimacy of his academic status.
The Student’s Allegations
Omisade, through his legal counsel, Barrister Abdulfatai Abdulsalam, alleged that Achievers University failed to forward his admission details to JAMB for approval and official documentation. As a result, his admission remains unrecognized by Nigeria’s central admissions regulatory body, making his studentship effectively invalid in the eyes of the law.
In a formal petition addressed to the university, the student’s lawyer accused the institution of engaging in a misleading admission process that could jeopardize his client’s academic future. The letter demanded that the university either regularize the student’s admission with JAMB within three working days or face a ₦500 million lawsuit as compensation for emotional distress, financial loss, and reputational damage.
University’s Reaction
In response to the growing controversy, the Public Relations Officer of Achievers University, Mr. Olaniyi Adekanye, confirmed that the management is aware of the situation and has already opened dialogue with the student’s family.
According to Adekanye, the university is actively engaging with the parents of the affected student to ensure the issue is resolved amicably. While he did not provide details on why the student’s name was missing from the JAMB database, he assured the public that the school remains committed to transparency and due process in all its admission procedures.
Legal and Academic Implications
This case exposes a troubling loophole in Nigeria’s university admission system and could have far-reaching consequences for both the student and the institution.
- Invalid Admission Status:
Without JAMB’s official recognition, Omisade’s admission into Achievers University is legally void. This means that his academic records, course registration, and results may not be valid under the law. - Accreditation and Compliance Issues:
If proven true, the case could lead to an investigation by both JAMB and the National Universities Commission (NUC), which may question the university’s compliance with federal admission guidelines. - Potential Legal Fallout:
A ₦500 million lawsuit could significantly impact the university’s reputation and finances. It may also set a new precedent in Nigeria’s academic sector, emphasizing the legal accountability of universities in admission processes. - Psychological Impact on the Student:
For Omisade, the discovery has been emotionally and psychologically draining. The uncertainty surrounding his academic future, combined with the financial implications, underscores the devastating effects of administrative negligence on students’ lives.
Public Reaction and Broader Concerns
The story has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians, particularly students and education activists, who believe that the case is only a reflection of a much deeper issue within Nigeria’s tertiary admission system.
Many commentators argue that some private universities have been offering admissions outside JAMB’s official process to attract more students, a practice that could backfire if left unchecked. Others called on JAMB and the NUC to conduct stricter audits and ensure that every admitted student’s details are properly captured and validated.
Education experts have also warned that such incidents could erode public trust in private universities, making parents and students more cautious when accepting admissions in the future.
Lessons for Prospective Students
This case serves as a strong reminder for all Nigerian students to always verify their admission status before paying school fees or resuming classes. To avoid falling victim to similar situations:
- Always confirm that your JAMB admission status shows the same course and institution as stated in your admission letter.
- Do not proceed with registration until your details are fully visible on the official JAMB portal.
- Keep copies of all admission documents, receipts, and correspondence as evidence in case of future disputes.
- Report any suspicious admission process to JAMB or the NUC for clarification.
What Happens Next
As of now, the matter remains unresolved. The university’s management is reportedly working behind the scenes to regularize the student’s admission and prevent legal escalation. However, the student’s legal team insists that if the issue is not corrected within the stipulated time, the ₦500 million lawsuit will proceed as planned.
Observers believe that the outcome of this case could influence how private universities handle admissions in the future. It may also push regulatory agencies to adopt more transparent digital tracking systems to prevent unauthorized or unrecorded admissions.
