A Court Halts the Dream
In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu has ordered the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to immediately suspend all admission processes for the 2025/2026 academic session.
This drastic measure followed an ex-parte motion filed by five candidates — Chibuzor Success, Oyeleye Zainab Ayomide, Adedeji John Samuel, Monsura Aliat Aduragbem, and Bassey Daniel Nsikak. They filed the suit on behalf of other affected applicants of the Post-UTME exams at both universities.
In issuing the ruling, Justice A. T. Segun-Bello declared that the applicants had presented a “veritable and triable issue.” Thus, both sides must be heard before final judgment.
Hence, the judge ordered all parties to maintain the status quo. Which means no further admission list releases, approvals, or uploads pending the hearing of the substantive motion.
The case has been adjourned to October 28, 2025 for the full hearing.
The Cry of the Affected: Why This Suit
The applicants allege that the admission processes of UNILAG and OAU were marred by technical glitches and software bugs. Arbitrary actions were also mentioned as one of the factors which have unjustly disadvantaged large numbers of candidates.
According to reports, the universities (or their Post-UTME vendors) may have used the same software that contained a bug. One that purportedly flagged innocent candidates for malpractice or mismatched their scores.
Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare, has claimed to have compiled 752 reports from affected students, presenting them as evidence of systemic unfairness.
His public post on X (formerly Twitter) stated: “We have filed a MOTION EX-PARTE against UNILAG and OAU. They are now ordered by the Federal High Court to suspend all admissions until all raised concerns and investigations are completed.”
The crux of the suit is not simply to delay admissions but to demand transparency, accountability, and due process for students who feel their admissions fate has been manipulated or denied unfairly.
Stakes, Reactions & What Comes Next
Lives in Limbo
Thousands of candidates who sat the Post-UTME exams; many pinning their futures on admission into UNILAG or OAU — now face uncertainty. The suspension of the admission process casts their dreams into limbo, even as they await court outcomes. The decision underscores how high-stakes and emotionally fraught tertiary admissions have become in Nigeria.
A Precedent for Student Rights
This case could become a landmark in student rights litigation. If the court ultimately mandates deep audits, software transparency, or systemic reforms, it may force universities and exam bodies across the country to overhaul how they conduct screenings, flag malpractice, and release results.
The fact that the court recognized “veritable and triable issues” in this matter shows a judicial willingness to engage with education system accountability in Nigeria.
What to Watch For
On October 28, 2025, the substantive hearing may determine whether the suspension is lifted or extended, and possibly whether additional orders (e.g. audit, disclosure of software logs) will be made.
The respondents (UNILAG, OAU, JAMB) will likely file counter-affidavits or defenses, addressing the allegations and perhaps challenging jurisdiction or process.
The decision may set standards for future admission transparency, audit rights for students, and liability for exam software failures.
In a country where education remains a key pathway to empowerment, the court order underscores the importance of ensuring fairness and accountability in admission processes. It highlights the need to safeguard the interests of applicants while the issues raised are thoroughly examined.
