By, Theophilus Chibuzo Oliver
The Management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has reissued a clearance notice to students admitted in the 2025/2026 academic session, following reports of difficulties faced by some students, particularly in the Faculty of Optometry. The directive was communicated on Tuesday, 3 February 2025.
In an official memo signed by University Management, it was stated that reports had been received from various sectors of the institution regarding challenges faced by students admitted provisionally into the current academic session.
Management noted that “some students admitted into the Faculty of Optometry are being denied clearance into the programme, purportedly due to limited quota from a professional regulatory body.” The University emphasised that it is not directly responsible for the quota limitations, attributing them instead to the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Federal Ministry of Education (FME). The memo reassured students that “the University will therefore not deny anyone who meets the minimum entry requirements clearance to pursue the programme for which provisional admission was offered.”
The notice further advised all students affected by any contrary directives, including those in the Faculty of Optometry, to report to their respective faculties and clearance officers without delay.
In conclusion, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba B. Omoregie, SAN, along with University Management, reaffirmed that “no student duly offered admission into the institution will be denied clearance into the programme for which they were admitted, except where they fail to meet the minimum admission requirements.”
Consequently, all Deans and Clearance Officers were instructed to take note of the University Management’s position on the matter and ensure compliance with the prescribed protocols.