Parents of law students at Atiba University, Oyo, have appealed to the Federal Government and relevant regulatory bodies to urgently intervene over the university’s unaccredited law programme.
Speaking through their lawyers at a news conference in Abuja, the parents alleged that the university admitted students into the programme despite knowing that it had not obtained the required approval from the Council of Legal Education (CLE). They said some students had spent up to four years studying law, with families investing millions of naira in tuition, accommodation and other expenses.
The parents’ lawyer, Victor Opatola, said the students were now facing uncertainty and psychological distress following the CLE’s recent decision to impose a 10-year moratorium on the university’s law programme. He explained that without the required CLE approval, affected students could face difficulties progressing to the Nigerian Law School.
The parents urged the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and CLE to find a lawful and practical solution, particularly by facilitating the transfer of affected students to accredited law faculties where they can complete their studies and proceed to Law School. They added that they would consider legal action if efforts to resolve the matter amicably failed.
Atiba University, established in 2017, though recognised by the NUC, recently had a 10-year moratorium imposed on its law programme by the CLE over issues relating to facilities and approval.
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