A worried parent of a student at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has raised serious concerns over what they described as unfair and distressing treatment of students admitted into the Doctor of Optometry programme for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The parent, in a message sent to ARISE TV journalist Rufai Oseni via X (formerly Twitter), revealed that UNIBEN initially admitted about 350 students into the Optometry programme, only to later inform them that the institution could retain just 150 students due to quota and accreditation constraints.
According to the message, all affected students received official admission letters from both UNIBEN and JAMB, paid acceptance fees specifically for Optometry, resumed academic activities in November 2025, and began lectures as full-time Optometry students.
However, nearly four months into the academic session, the university reportedly announced that only 150 students would be allowed to continue in the programme, while the remaining students would be transferred to other courses.
The parent further alleged that many of the affected students are now being denied clearance, even as examinations are scheduled to begin in March, leaving them confused and uncertain about their academic future.
“What pains me the most is that these children did nothing wrong,” the parent wrote. “We paid acceptance fees in good faith, believing our children were properly admitted into Optometry.”
They accused the university of poor communication and lack of transparency, noting that no clear criteria has been provided on how the 150 students will be selected or why the issue was not addressed earlier before admissions were offered.
The situation, the parent said, has taken a toll on the mental health and emotional wellbeing of the students, many of whom are still in 100 level and unsure of their academic standing.
“These students don’t even know what department they belong to at this point, yet lectures are ongoing and exams are approaching,” the parent added.
Describing the situation as an institutional failure, the parent appealed for public attention and urgent intervention, alleging that the matter is being handled quietly without proper engagement with students or their families.
“I cannot watch my child’s dreams and mental health suffer because of irresponsibility from UNIBEN,” the message concluded. “Nigeria has failed my child.”
As of the time of filing this report, the University of Benin has not issued any official public statement addressing the concerns raised by parents and students regarding the Optometry admission crisis.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
