The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone, and the National Association of University Students (NAUS) have secured a series of measures for students affected by the 10-year moratorium placed on the Law programme of Atiba University, Oyo State, including full tuition refunds within two weeks for those opting to withdraw.
The student bodies disclosed this in a resolution issued after a meeting with the university management on Wednesday to address the academic and welfare concerns arising from the Council of Legal Education’s (CLE) decision.
Under the agreement, students who no longer wish to remain in the institution may apply for refunds, with the university committing to process and pay the approved claims within 14 days.
The resolution, signed by NANS South-West Deputy Coordinator, Ridwan A.O.A., and NAUS CMC Chairman, Oyo State, Salam Waris Abioye, also revealed that three universities have expressed willingness to receive affected students through transfer.
According to the groups, two institutions are prepared to admit students at 100 and 200 levels, while a third has indicated readiness to accommodate students across all levels, subject to accommodation availability.
The transfer process is expected to begin immediately, with affected students projected to resume at their respective new institutions within two months.
For students determined to continue their legal education, the university has also reportedly established a pathway through another institution that could enable them to proceed to the Nigerian Law School after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
Meanwhile, students seeking academic transcripts have been advised to submit their requests without delay, while those facing difficulties with their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) admission letters are to provide their details to the university for resolution.
Students who prefer to remain at Atiba University but switch to other academic programmes will equally be accommodated under the arrangement.
The intervention followed the CLE’s decision to impose a 10-year moratorium on Atiba University’s Law programme, citing deficiencies in facilities and alleged breaches of regulations governing legal education.
The Council had described the university’s facilities as inappropriate and inadequate for operating a Faculty of Law and alleged that the institution admitted and graduated Law students without securing the requisite approval.
The decision sparked anxiety among students and parents, with calls for urgent intervention, refunds and placement of affected students in accredited institutions.
NANS and NAUS said they would closely monitor the implementation of the agreements reached with the university, insisting that the academic future and welfare of the affected students remain paramount.
The development effectively places affected students before three immediate options: a tuition refund, transfer to another university, or continuation through an alternative pathway, depending on their individual academic plans.
