Lawmaker Moves to Hold UNIBEN Accountable Over Alleged Over-Admission

By Urube Peter, Abuja

Abuja, Nigeria – Hon. D. Abiante has taken a significant step to address the alleged over-admission of students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), presenting a motion in the House of Representatives of Nigeria on March 11, 2026.
The motion, titled “The Need to Investigate the Alleged Irregular Admission and Ongoing Academic Uncertainty of Students of the Department of Optometry at the University of Benin and the Challenge of Over-Admission in Regulated Programmes in Nigerian Universities,” seeks to ensure that UNIBEN adheres to regulatory admission quotas and protects the rights of affected students.

According to reports, UNIBEN admitted about 350 students into the Department of Optometry for the 2025/2026 academic session, despite knowing that the approved quota was 150 students. The university has since informed students and parents that it can only retain 150 students, citing accreditation limitations, leaving the remaining students in limbo.
Hon. Abiante’s motion has sparked hope among affected students and parents, who have been facing uncertainty and financial burdens due to the university’s alleged actions. The motion also serves as a warning to UNIBEN and other tertiary institutions against violating quotas set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The House has resolved to:
Call on UNIBEN to suspend any transfer, denial of clearance, or exclusion of affected students pending the outcome of the investigation.
Mandate the House Committee on University Education to investigate the circumstances surrounding the admission process and conduct a comprehensive enquiry into admission processes in regulated programmes in Nigerian universities.
The committee is expected to report back to the House within two weeks.