“WE DO NOT DISCRIMINATE”: OAU CLARIFIES ADMISSION POLICY, REJECTS ALLEGATIONS OF ETHNIC MARGINALISATION

The authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, have unequivocally rejected allegations of ethnic discrimination and a deliberate abandonment of merit in its admission process, issuing a comprehensive clarification to counter an open petition authored by a parent and self-acclaimed anti-cult leader, Akin Okunowo.

The rebuttal, contained in a press release signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, directly responds to ValidViewNetwork’s earlier report on Okunowo’s petition, which accused the institution of disadvantaging Yoruba students through state-based cut-off marks, ValidViewNetwork report.

THE PETITION AND THE REBUTTAL

As previously reported by ValidViewNetwork, Okunowo had petitioned the Governing Council of OAU, alleging that the university set different cut-off marks for candidates seeking admission into the same courses based on their states of origin.

He cited figures for Law and Accounting, claiming that his son, who scored 63% in Accounting, was denied admission because the cut-off mark for candidates of Ogun origin was 63.20, while candidates with lower scores from other states were admitted.

He argued that the policy violated Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on place of origin .

In its response, OAU stated that while it respects the right of individuals to express concerns, it considers it necessary to correct the misleading impressions created by the petition .

FEDERAL POLICY VS. UNIVERSITY IMPLEMENTATION

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The university explained that it operates within the framework of national policies, regulatory requirements, and admission guidelines established by the Federal Government and relevant statutory authorities.

“The Federal Government’s admission framework incorporates considerations of merit, geographical representation and the need to promote educational access and national integration,” Olarewaju stated.

“These considerations are reflected in the admission policies applicable to federal tertiary institutions, including the principles underpinning catchment areas and the policy for educationally disadvantaged states”.

OAU emphasised that it does not exist outside the laws and policies governing federal universities.

“It must be noted that OAU does not exist outside the laws and policies governing federal universities. As an institution under the supervision of the Federal Government, the University is obligated to operate in accordance with applicable national admission guidelines and the directives of the relevant regulatory authorities,” the statement read .

Consequently, the university directed that any petition seeking a fundamental review or abolition of the Federal Government’s admission policy should be appropriately directed to the relevant organs of the Federal Government, including the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) .

REJECTING ETHNIC DISCRIMINATION

The university unequivocally rejected any suggestion that its admission process is driven by ethnic hostility or a secret agenda against Yoruba students.

“Obafemi Awolowo University is a renowned national institution that welcomes qualified candidates from every part of Nigeria. Its identity, history and enduring reputation are rooted in intellectual rigour, academic distinction and the pursuit of excellence,” Olarewaju said.

He explained that admission into competitive programmes is influenced by several factors, including candidates’ performance, available spaces, programme-specific requirements, and applicable admission criteria.”

Consequently, comparing the admission outcomes of individual candidates without a complete understanding of the relevant criteria, approved admission categories, available spaces and the applicable rules may produce conclusions that do not accurately represent the admission process as a whole,” he stated .

THE INVITATION FOR FORMAL COMPLAINTS

OAU stated that it is inappropriate to determine the fairness of individual admission decisions solely on the basis of selected figures presented without complete official records.

“Where a candidate or parent believes that an admission decision was inconsistent with the approved guidelines, the appropriate course of action is to submit a formal complaint through the University’s established channels for verification and review,” the statement advised.

The university maintained that it has nothing to gain from denying admission to qualified candidates arbitrarily.

“As one of the best Universities in Africa, OAU has nothing to gain from denying admission to qualified candidates arbitrarily, nor does it have any institutional interest in discriminating against Nigerians on ethnic grounds. In actual fact, its responsibility is to implement the applicable admission framework fairly while maintaining the standards and integrity of its academic programmes,” Olarewaju asserted.

“GREAT IFE REMAINS GREAT”

The university acknowledged that admission into highly competitive programmes can generate disappointment, but warned against converting that disappointment into sweeping allegations.

“Disappointment with an admission outcome, no matter how deeply felt, should not be converted into sweeping allegations of corruption, ethnic conspiracy, deliberate educational sabotage or the destruction of the University’s academic standards without compelling evidence,” the statement read .

OAU concluded by reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence, fairness, and institutional accountability.

“Great Ife remains Great—not because it is beyond criticism, but because its enduring commitment to learning, excellence, and national development transcends the controversies of the moment,” Olarewaju stated .

WHY IT MATTERS

The OAU press release is a direct and detailed rebuttal to the petition that sparked national debate over admission policies in Nigeria.

The university has drawn a clear line: it implements federal policy; it does not create it.

If Okunowo believes the policy is unfair, his grievance lies with the Federal Government, not with OAU.But the controversy has exposed a deeper tension in Nigeria’s education system: the balance between merit and equity.

The policy of catchment areas and educationally disadvantaged states is designed to address regional inequalities.

But for parents like Okunowo, it can feel like discrimination against their children.

OAU has invited formal complaints. It has promised transparency. Whether that will satisfy Okunowo and other aggrieved parents remains to be seen.

But for now, the university has made its position clear.Great Ife remains Great. And it will not be reduced to a single admission controversy. ValidViewNetwork reports.