Refunds or No Refunds? The Fate of OAU and UNILAG Post-UTME Fees After Admission Suspension

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

A Burning Question for Students and Parents

The sudden court order halting the 2025 admissions process at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Lagos (UNILAG), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has raised a critical concern: What happens to the post-UTME fees already paid by thousands of candidates?

Across campuses and online forums, parents and students are asking whether the universities will refund these payments or simply retain them despite the suspension. As Akahi News gathered, this has become one of the most pressing issues in the ongoing admission saga.

The Reality of Post-UTME Payments in Nigerian Universities

Traditionally, Nigerian universities treat post-UTME fees as non-refundable processing charges. This means once candidates make payments, the money is committed to logistics — from online platforms to examination coordination.

However, with the 2025 admissions suspended by the court, the situation has taken a unique twist. According to Akahi News findings, many parents believe that since students may not enjoy the service fully or may even lose admission opportunities, universities should consider refunds.

OAU and UNILAG Candidates: What’s at Stake?

• Those who wrote the exam already: Candidates who successfully sat for OAU and UNILAG post-UTME may find it difficult to argue for refunds, since the service (the exam) has been delivered.
• Those who bought forms but could not sit for the exam due to WAEC/NECO delays: This group has a stronger case, as they paid but could not complete registration before the deadlines.
• Those whose results have been uploaded on CAPS: Their fate depends on whether the court upholds or nullifies the earlier admission steps.

As Akahi News observed, each group’s situation is different, and any refund decision may vary accordingly.

Will Universities Refund Post-UTME Fees?

At the moment, there is no official announcement from OAU or UNILAG regarding refunds. Historically, universities rarely issue refunds, even in cases of disruption.

But this scenario is unusual because a court order is involved, and the rights of students who paid might become part of the legal argument. If the ruling leans towards protecting candidates’ financial interests, universities could be compelled to make refunds or offer alternatives such as revalidation for the next admission cycle.

In its monitoring of the situation, Akahi News learnt that student unions and parent associations are already mounting pressure on management to consider the fairness of keeping such funds if students are ultimately denied the chance to use them.

What JAMB’s Role Means for Candidates

Since JAMB is central to the admission process, some candidates assume that JAMB may intervene to standardise refund policies. But as Akahi News explains, JAMB does not directly collect post-UTME fees — that responsibility lies with each university.

This means the fate of refunds rests squarely with OAU and UNILAG management unless the Federal Ministry of Education or the court issues specific directives.

What Should Students and Parents Do Now?

• Keep all payment receipts and transaction details safe – They may serve as proof if refunds or revalidations are introduced.
• Follow updates on trusted platforms like Akahi News to avoid being misled by social media rumours.
• Avoid panic – Even if refunds do not happen, universities may provide alternative relief measures such as extending eligibility for future sessions.

Still a Waiting Game

The suspension of OAU and UNILAG’s admissions has created more questions than answers, and the issue of post-UTME refunds is at the heart of the confusion. While a reconduction of the exams seems unlikely, the matter of financial justice for candidates remains unresolved.

Until universities make an official statement or the court issues clearer directives, parents and students must exercise patience. Akahi News will continue to provide verified updates on whether refunds, revalidations, or new deadlines will be offered.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org