Parents of students admitted into the Doctor of Optometry programme at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have raised alarm over what they describe as a sudden and unjust decision by the university to drop hundreds of students months after admitting them.
One of the concerned parents, who shared the complaint in a message addressed to journalist Oseni Rufai, said UNIBEN admitted about 350 students into the Doctor of Optometry programme for the 2025/2026 academic session.
According to the parent, the students received official admission letters from both UNIBEN and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), paid acceptance fees specifically for Optometry, resumed academic activities in November 2025, and began lectures as scheduled.
However, nearly four months into the session, the university reportedly informed the students that it could only retain 150 of them due to quota and accreditation constraints, while the remaining students would be transferred to other courses.
“Now, four months into the session, the university is suddenly saying they can only keep 150 students because of quota and accreditation issues,” the parent said. “The remaining students are to be moved to other courses, and many of them are already being denied clearance, even as examinations are expected to begin in March.”
The parent expressed deep frustration, noting that the students were being punished for what they described as an administrative failure on the part of the university.
“These children did nothing wrong. We paid acceptance fees in good faith, believing our children were properly admitted into Optometry,” the message read. “Now UNIBEN wants to punish them for an obvious failure on the part of the institution.”
Concerns were also raised about the lack of transparency surrounding the decision. According to the parent, the university has not clearly communicated how the 150 students who will be retained in the programme will be selected, leaving students confused and anxious.
“They are just in the 100 level. Most of them don’t even know what department they truly belong to at this point, yet lectures are ongoing and exams will take place in March,” the parent added.
Beyond academic uncertainty, the parent warned that the situation is taking a toll on the students’ mental health and future aspirations.
“I cannot watch my child’s dreams and mental health suffer because of irresponsibility from UNIBEN,” the parent said. “There is no respect for students, parents, or due process. This issue is being handled quietly, and many people don’t even know what is happening.”
The parent appealed for urgent intervention, describing the situation as a broader failure of the system to protect students.
“Please, we need help. Nigeria has failed my child,” the message concluded.
As of the time of filing this report, the University of Benin had not issued an official public statement addressing the concerns raised by parents and affected students.
