Legal
Published: February 2, 2026
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By Emmanuel Iweh
Court Injunctions on UNILAG and OAU Admissions: What 2026 Applicants Must Know
"A Federal High Court ruling in Enugu has stalled 2025/2026 admissions at major universities, creating a potential backlog for the 2026 intake."
As of February 2, 2026, the Nigerian tertiary education landscape is overshadowed by a significant legal dispute involving the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). A Federal High Court sitting in Enugu, presided over by Justice Mabel Segun-Bello, has ordered a 'status quo' on the 2025/2026 admission lists following allegations of technical glitches during the Post-UTME online tests. This legal battle is not just a concern for the previous year's candidates; it has massive implications for those currently registering for the 2026 UTME. Investigative findings suggest that if the court forces a total re-run of the 2025 screening or delays the session further, the 2026 academic calendar will be 'compressed.' This often results in universities merging two sets of admissions into one calendar year, which drastically reduces the available slots for each set. In previous instances of 'merged sessions,' the quota for the fresh intake (the 2026 group) was slashed by as much as 30% to accommodate the backlog. For 2026 candidates, this means the 'marginal' admission zones—where students with scores between 200 and 240 usually find spots—might disappear entirely. Only those in the high-merit bracket will be safe. Furthermore, the legal scrutiny of Post-UTME software has prompted JAMB to consider a more centralized screening process for 2026 to avoid similar lawsuits. Candidates are advised to monitor the 'CAPS' portal closely, as any shift in the 2025 session directly dictates the 'resumption date' for 2026. The uncertainty has already led to a shift in applicant preference, with many high-scoring students now listing the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) or private institutions as their first choice to avoid the 'legal gridlock' at UNILAG and OAU. This migration of top-tier students is expected to drive up the cut-off marks for traditionally 'safe' schools, making the 2026 admission race a multifaceted battle of both academic performance and institutional strategy.
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