NEWS

  Joy Olu-Ajayi  Nigeria’s tertiary education sector has gained attention following the release of the 2026 university rankings by The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) sourced by AD Scientific Index in March, 2026.  The University of Ibadan has retained its position as Nigeria’s top university, ranking 14th in Africa and 921st globally.  Also, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka secured the second spot nationally, followed by Covenant University in third place, making it the highest-ranked private university. Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Lagos came fourth and fifth respectively, while the Federal University of Technology, Akure, University of Ilorin, and Ahmadu Bello University followed closely. Completing the top twelve are Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Bayero University, University of Calabar, and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, representing a mix of federal and state institutions across the country.

Joy Olu-Ajayi  The National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies (NASELS), University of Ibadan on the 27th March 2026, officially welcomed newly admitted students into the department at Room 32, Faculty of Art, with an orientation programme that featured important announcements aimed at guiding freshers through their academic journey. The programme started by 11:08 a.m. with an opening prayer. This was followed by the recognition of some lecturers that were present, including Dr. Rita Okonoboh-Fagbayi and Dr. Akinmurele.  The NASELS President, Blessings Emmanuel was called up for the welcome address and she warmly received the freshers and encouraged them to make the most of their academic experience. The event also featured the recognition of the NASELS executives, including the President, Vice President, Assistant General Secretary (AGS), General Secretary (GS), Social Director, Sports Director, and Public Relations Officer (PRO).  Dr. Rita Okonoboh-...

Joy Olu-Ajayi   The Chairman, UI’SU Transport Committee of the University of Ibadan on the 24th March 2026, released a notice addressing the transportation challenges experienced by students across the University.  The notice informs students that normal operations have commenced and issues regarding tricycles and cab drivers refusing to take students to certain locations including SUB and some halls of residence because of the N100 fares have been settled.  Also, students are now permitted to make transfers for their transport fare without any additional charges.  Furthermore, students are advised to report any grievances or non-compliance to these rules by the drivers and to take note of the vehicle's sticker number and report the incident immediately. 

  Joy Olu-Ajayi  The Executives of the National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies, University of Ibadan, on the 20th of March 2026, have released a notice that contains the basic dues structure across all levels, which has to be paid through Bidra, a new form of payment initiated by the AFAS executives. The Freshers are expected to pay a total of N10,500, with the breakdown of N4000 as basic dues, N5000 as dinner fee, and N1500 as picnic fee. On the other hand, staylites are expected to pay a total fee of N9000, with the breakdown of N4000 for basic dues and N5000 as dinner fee. The finalists are expected to pay a total of N13,000, with the breakdown of N4000 as the basic dues, N7000 as dinner fee, and N2000 for picnic. However, it was not stated in the notice if these fees are compulsory or optional, but when the Vice President was reached out to by a correspondent, she mentioned that “there was a meeting with the HOD and he intends to make the basic due...

  Rofiat Muili-Atilola   Two students from the Department of English, Blessings Emmanuel and Temiloluwa Olabiyi, represented the University of Ibadan in the Adedeji Adeleke Inter-University Debate and emerged winners. The competition, held on the 10th of March, 2026, took place at the Performing Arts Theatre of the university, with a total of seven schools participating. University of Ibadan, Babcock University, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Fountain University, Redeemer’s University, and two others participated in the competition, with the debated topic, “Youth Participation in Election: A Necessity or an Option”. While the University of Ibadan emerged as the winner, Babcock University and Joseph Ayo Babalola University emerged as runners-up respectively. Blessings Emmanuel, one of the representatives of the University of Ibadan and the President of the department, stated, “It was my first time stepping out to represent the school in that capacity. I knew we were going to c...

Joy Olu-Ajayi  The Students' Union, University of Ibadan Transport Committee, released a public notice yesterday, 12th March 2026, addressing the recent hike in fuel prices. The notice clarifies that the increase in fuel price does not affect transportation fares within the school. Also, all fares remain the same as before, and every student has the right to confirm the price before boarding any vehicle on campus. The notice further states that any form of extortion should be reported to: Bobby: 09035473528 Tifase: 08086227567 All students are expected to have these contacts saved in case any form of extortion occurs.  

  Adewale Amoo The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), on 2nd March 2026, announced an extension of the deadline for its student loan application portal, which was previously scheduled to close on 27th February 2026. In a statement signed by the Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the Fund outlined several reasons for the extension of the application deadline. According to the statement, “The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has approved an extension of its student loan application portal following a significant increase in awareness and nationwide demand generated by its ongoing sensitization campaign.” The statement further explained that the extension is intended to accommodate prospective beneficiaries who may require additional time to complete their applications, particularly those who only recently became aware of the initiative through the nationwide sensitization campaign. It also considers institutions that have just commenced their 202...

Abigail Kareem   The University of Ibadan on Sunday, March 1st 2026,  addresses the challenges that the fresh students are experiencing on their student portals through a notice by the Student Affairs Division signed by the Dean of Students, Prof. Demola Lewis.  The notice states that only fresh students will be received in the Halls of Residence from Monday, March 2nd to Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, following challenges experienced on the Accommodation Module of the institution’s student portal. The University also appealed to students facing difficulties in paying their hall fees and dues to remain patient as the technical issues are being addressed.  The management further emphasised that only students who have been successfully allocated rooms online will be attended to in the halls. Fresh students are therefore advised to complete the accommodation process and print their Room Allocation Slip and ID Card before proceeding to claim a bed space in their respective ...