Tension has continued to mount at Atiba University, Oyo State, following the 10-year moratorium imposed on the institution by the Council of Legal Education (CLE) over alleged regulatory violations and deficiencies in its Faculty of Law.
The development has left some students of the Faculty of Law aggrieved, particularly those who have spent more than four years pursuing their degrees at the university.
The CLE reportedly imposed the 10-year ban after finding that the university had deficiencies in its facilities and allegedly violated regulations governing legal education.
Among the issues reportedly raised by the regulatory body was the alleged admission and graduation of students without the requisite approval to run the Law programme.
Addressing some of the affected students, the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor appealed to them amid the uncertainty surrounding their academic future.
In a remark that has generated reactions, the DVC was quoted as telling the students: “If you become like me in life, thank your Almighty God.”
The statement came as the affected students sought answers and expressed concerns over the implications of the CLE’s decision on their education and future careers.
The 10-year moratorium means the university will be unable to offer the Law programme during the period covered by the sanction, subject to any review or reversal by the relevant authorities.
For students who have already invested several years in the programme, the development has raised serious concerns over their academic status, possible transfer arrangements and the recognition of their studies.
The situation has also renewed questions about the responsibility of universities to obtain and maintain all necessary regulatory approvals before admitting students into professional programmes.
Affected students are expected to seek further clarification from the university and relevant regulatory authorities on the way forward.
