Atiba varsity to refund, transfer law students after 10-year ban – NANS

The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone, and the National Association of University Students have announced that Atiba University in Oyo State will refund tuition fees to Law students who wish to withdraw due to a 10-year ban on the Law program. This decision was made after a meeting with university management to address issues faced by the Law program's students.

NANS South-West Deputy Coordinator, Ridwan A.O.A., and NAUS Chairman, Salam Waris Abioye, signed a resolution stating that students seeking refunds will receive their payments within two weeks.

The student groups also revealed that affected students would have the option to transfer to other universities. Three institutions have agreed to accept students at the 100 and 200 levels, while one institution has expressed willingness to take in students at all levels, contingent upon accommodation availability. The transfer process is expected to begin, with affected students resuming at their new institutions within two months.

For students planning to continue their legal education, NANS and NAUS mentioned that the university has organized pathways for them to attend the Nigerian Law School after completing their National Youth Service Corps program. They advised students to proceed with their NYSC exercise, as the university has collaborated with another institution to facilitate a smooth transition to Law School afterward.

The student bodies emphasized that students requesting academic transcripts should submit their requests promptly, as the university assured them of processing and sending the documents without delay. Additionally, NANS and NAUS stated they would assist students with issues related to their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board admission letters by collecting their details for resolution.

The decision to impose the 10-year moratorium on Atiba University's Law program by the Council of Legal Education was due to inadequate facilities and alleged violations of legal education regulations. This decision has caused concern among students and parents, leading some to call for government intervention and a transfer to accredited institutions. NANS and NAUS pledged to monitor the implementation of the agreements with the university, prioritizing the welfare and academic future of the affected students.