NANS DEMANDS ACTION AS ATIBA UNIVERSITY LAW STUDENTS FACE ACCREDITATION CRISIS

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to sanction Atiba University, Oyo State, over an unresolved crisis affecting its Law programme and the academic progression of students. The association said affected students who have completed their studies remain unable to proceed to the Nigerian Law School because of regulatory issues.

NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, said in a statement on Tuesday that the students had exhausted attempts to resolve the matter through dialogue and consultations with the university management before resorting to protest. He expressed concern that students who had fulfilled their academic requirements and passed the necessary examinations were being left uncertain about their professional future.

According to the students’ body, some of those affected began their Law studies as far back as 2020 and have spent years paying tuition and other academic expenses. NANS argued that the students should not be made to suffer the consequences of regulatory challenges they did not cause.

The association also raised concerns over allegations that the university continued admitting students into the Law programme despite issues surrounding its recognition and approval by the Council of Legal Education. NANS said the allegation, if established, would raise serious questions about the institution’s management and its responsibility towards students enrolled in the programme.

NANS subsequently urged the NUC to withdraw Atiba University’s operating licence, arguing that the institution should not continue admitting students into a programme that does not have the necessary accreditation. The association also called on the university to resolve the outstanding issues and provide a clear and credible pathway for affected students and graduates to gain access to the Nigerian Law School.

The latest development follows protests by Law students at the university over the accreditation controversy. NANS had earlier given the institution a seven-day ultimatum to address the concerns, demanding explanations on the programme’s regulatory status, records of affected students and a transparent account of their academic and financial commitments.

The student body warned that failure to resolve the matter could lead to further action. It said it would continue to support the affected students and press relevant authorities to ensure that students who have invested years and substantial resources in their education are not left stranded because of institutional or regulatory disputes.