UNIBEN Students In Dilemma As University Reduces Class Of 350 To 150

Many students in the Department of Optometry,  University of Benin, UNIBEN, admitted last year are now in a fix as to which course they would eventually study. This is because the department has taken in more students than the quota approved for it by the authorities.

According to an account by a concerned parent, parents and guardians are already worried about what the future holds for the students.

“I am reaching out as a deeply worried parent due to what’s happening in UNIBEN.
UNIBEN admitted 350 students into the Doctor of Optometry programme for the 2025/2026 session. Our children received admission letters into Optometry from the university and JAMB, paid acceptance fees for Optometry, resumed school in November last year, started lectures, and now four months into the session, the university is suddenly saying they can only keep 150 students because of quota and accreditation issues, and that the remaining students would be moved to other courses. Many of them are now being refused clearance and exams will start in March .

“Why it pains me so much is that these children did nothing wrong. We paid acceptance fees in good faith, believing our children were properly admitted into Optometry. Now UNIBEN wants to punish them for an obvious UNIBEN failing.
“They’ve not been transparent, there’s no clear communication, and no explanation of how the 150 students will be chosen. These students are just in 100 level and it’s very sad. Most of them don’t even know what department they’re in at this time, yet lectures are still ongoing and exams will be conducted in March.

“I cannot watch my child’s dreams and mental health suffer because of irresponsibility from UNIBEN. They don’t have any respect for students, parents and due process. And this issue is just silent, no one knows much about it because of how they’re silently treating it. Please we need help. Nigeria has failed my child.”

The authorities of the university are yet to respond to the development.