Students admitted into the Doctor of Optometry programme at the University of Benin are facing an uncertain future following revelations that the institution may transfer over 200 of them to other courses due to quota restrictions.
The university admitted 350 students into the programme for the 2025/2026 academic session, but authorities have now indicated that only 150 can remain in the department due to accreditation and quota limitations.
A concerned parent revealed that affected students received official admission letters from both UNIBEN and JAMB, paid their acceptance fees, resumed lectures in November last year, and have been attending classes for four months. However, the university recently announced plans to relocate the excess students to other courses.
A parent said, "UNIBEN admitted 350 students into the Doctor of Optometry programme for the 2025/2026 session. Our children received admission letters and paid acceptance fees for Optometry, resumed in November, and began lectures. Now, four months later, the university says only 150 students can remain due to quota and accreditation issues; the rest must switch to another course. Many are being denied clearance even as exams approach in March."
The parent expressed frustration over the lack of transparency surrounding the selection process for the 150 students who would retain their places in the programme.
The parent said, "What hurts me most is that these children did nothing wrong. We paid acceptance fees in good faith, believing our children had been properly admitted to study Optometry. Now UNIBEN wants to punish them for what is clearly the university’s mistake. They have not been transparent, there is no clear communication, and no explanation has been provided on how the 150 students will be chosen. These students are still in the 100-level, and it is very sad. Most of them do not even know what department they are in at this time, yet lectures are still ongoing, and exams will be conducted in March."
The parent also criticised the university for not handling the situation properly, calling it disrespectful to both students and parents. "I cannot watch my child's dreams and mental health suffer because of irresponsibility from UNIBEN. They lack respect for students, parents, and due process. This issue remains largely unknown; no one knows anything about it because it is being quietly addressed. Please, we need help. Nigeria has failed my child," the parent said.
University authorities have not yet responded to the development.
