A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo has ruled against Obafemi Awolowo University. The judge found the institution wrongly altered a student’s degree classification. As a result, OAU must now correct the record and pay damages.
How the Controversy Started
Shekoni Jemima Oluwagbemisola completed her Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation (B.MR) in Physiotherapy in 2023. The university first issued a Statement of Result on November 23, 2023. It clearly showed “Pass with Credit.” Moreover, the same grade appeared in the official brochure for the 47th Convocation in December 2023.
However, issues surfaced later. When the graduate requested her original certificate, officials had changed the classification to plain “Pass.” She attempted internal resolution several times. Yet those efforts failed. Consequently, she approached the court for justice through her lawyer, Princewill Okoroafor of P. O. Okoroafor & Co (The Daniels Chambers). The matter was filed as Suit No. FHC/OS/CS/107/2025.
Judge Condemns Arbitrary Action
Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi delivered judgment on the case. The court held that the university breached and violated the fundamental rights of the plaintiff by changing her grade from “Pass with Credit” to “Pass” without lawful justification.
Furthermore, the judge described the university’s conduct as “arbitrary and reckless”. She noted that it failed to adhere to acceptable standards and best practices expected of a reputable institution. In addition, the court criticized OAU for not publishing the plaintiff’s final year results. It also faulted the university for neglecting to properly investigate the alleged error before altering her grade.
“Having found that the university breached, violated and infringed on the fundamental rights of the applicant by unlawfully and illegally changing her grade from ‘Pass with Credit’ to ‘Pass’, the court holds that there is no doubt that the illegal and unlawful action of the defendant must have caused the applicant great inconvenience and hardship,” the judge held.
The court added that such conduct, which shows disregard for the law, warranted the award of exemplary damages. Justice Demi-Ajayi also referenced the appellate decision in Okafor & Anor v AIG Police Zone II Onikan & Ors (2019) to support the award of damages in cases involving abuse of rights.
Reliefs and Compensation Awarded
The judge granted all reliefs sought by the plaintiff. Therefore, OAU must issue a corrected certificate showing “Pass with Credit.” This must match the Senate’s earlier approval on November 20, 2023, and prior official records.
The court declared that the university is legally bound to issue the plaintiff’s original degree certificate reflecting the correct classification of “Pass with Credit”, in line with its earlier publications and official communications.
Besides, the alteration disrupted her academic and professional plans. She had already used the original result for postgraduate applications. Her evidence on this point remained unchallenged. The court found that a reasonable person would conclude that the plaintiff suffered emotional and psychological stress.
Accordingly, Justice Demi-Ajayi awarded N5 million in damages against the university. She also ordered N800,000 as costs of the suit. In total, the financial penalty stands at N5.8 million. This ruling sends a clear message. Universities must respect students’ rights and follow due process when handling results..