Green Bridge Weekly Education News Digest (29 May - 5 June 2026)

This Week's Highlights

As Nigeria's academic landscape continues to buzz with activity, the past week, from May 29 to June 05, 2026, brought a mix of promising developments, crucial deadlines, and some unsettling news. A major talking point revolved around the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with contradictory reports on its conduct drawing national attention. Simultaneously, a deluge of Post-UTME and Direct Entry applications opened across numerous institutions, signaling the official start of the 2026/2027 admissions cycle. Universities and polytechnics also announced new academic programs and scholarship opportunities, while important updates on academic calendars, school fees, and campus policies shaped student life nationwide. However, the week was also marred by a tragic incident at a prominent university, underscoring persistent security concerns.

National Examinations: WAEC Under Scrutiny

Conflicting Narratives on WASSCE Conduct

The conduct of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) emerged as a focal point of national discussion, presenting a stark contrast between official commendation and public outcry. The Federal Government, through the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, lauded the "smooth and credible conduct" of the ongoing exams. Particular praise was reserved for the successful introduction of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) model in selected centers, with reports indicating students' ease of adaptation to the digital platform and the proactive deployment of alternative power solutions to ensure uninterrupted examinations. WAEC's Head of National Office in Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Dangut, noted the participation of nearly 2 million candidates from approximately 29,000 schools nationwide, emphasizing the significant scale of the exercise.

However, this optimistic report stood in stark opposition to a separate account titled "Nocturnal WASSCE," which detailed disturbing scenes across several states. Thousands of candidates were reportedly forced to sit examinations late into the night due to the delayed arrival of question papers. This "embarrassing failure" by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) echoed similar logistical breakdowns from the 2025 WASSCE, raising serious questions about the examining body's operational efficiency. The article criticized the immense stress and anxiety imposed on students, highlighting inadequate facilities and years of neglect in educational infrastructure. It underscored the unacceptable nature of conducting crucial examinations under conditions "more suited to emergency situations" and called for WAEC to consider offering re-sits for affected papers, asserting that examinations should test knowledge, not endurance.

Key Takeaways:

• Government's View: Commended smooth CBT rollout, student adaptability, and power solutions for 2026 WASSCE.
• Public Concern: Reports of "Nocturnal WASSCE" due to late material delivery, mirroring 2025 issues, causing student stress.
• Call to Action: Advocates demand WAEC address persistent logistical failures and consider re-sits for affected candidates.

Post-UTME & Admissions Season Heats Up

A Flurry of Applications for 2026/2027 Academic Session

The gates to higher education are now wide open for prospective students as a multitude of federal, state, and private institutions officially commenced online registration for their Post-UTME and Direct Entry screening exercises for the 2026/2027 academic session. This period marks a critical phase for candidates aiming to secure admission, with varying cut-off marks, application fees, and deadlines.

Among the federal universities, the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences (FUAHSE) in Enugu began its application process on June 8, requiring a minimum JAMB score of 150 (N2,000 for UTME, N30,000 for Direct Entry) with a closing date of August 19. The Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDUTSIN-MA) in Katsina State opened its portal on June 1, setting diverse JAMB cut-off marks ranging from 150 to 180 depending on the program, with a N2,000 screening fee and a July 31 deadline. Federal University Kashere (FUKASHERE) in Gombe State also started its online registration on June 4, with cut-off points spanning 150 to 220 (220 for MBBS/Dental Surgery, 200 for Nursing Science), a N2,000 fee, and a July 1 deadline. Notably, medical candidates at FUKASHERE will undergo a physical Post-UTME test on July 2. Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA)'s portal opened on June 9 for UTME/DE candidates with a minimum JAMB score of 160, a N2,000 screening charge, and a September 13 deadline.

In the state and private sectors, Vision University in Ogun State is accepting applications for full-time degree programs, requiring a minimum UTME score of 150. Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) in Oto/Ijanikin commenced its Post-UTME/DE screening on June 1, with a minimum JAMB score of 185 and a July 5 deadline. Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, will begin its pre-admission screening from July 18 to August 17, with a N2,000 fee and a 70% UTME/DE score and 30% O'Level weighting formula. Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri (AUM), requires a minimum UTME score of 150 for its programs. Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies (FUADSI), Iragbiji, also requires 150 JAMB score, with a combined N5,000 fee. Ikirun College of Health Technology is accepting applications from candidates with a minimum UTME score of 100, and a N10,000 fee, focusing on various health technology programs. Federal Polytechnic Ede (EDEPOLY) invites candidates with a minimum JAMB score of 100 for its ND programs, with a N2,000 application fee.

Specialized Nursing & Police Academy Admissions

For aspiring healthcare professionals, several institutions are offering ND/HND Nursing admissions. The Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital College of Nursing Sciences (ISTH) opened its forms on May 25, requiring 5 O'Level credits (in no more than two sittings) and a minimum JAMB score of 150, with a N25,000 fee and a September 18 deadline for online applications, followed by a CBT exam on September 21 and an oral interview on September 22. Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) College of Nursing Sciences also released its ND/HND Nursing forms for candidates with a minimum JAMB score of 180 and 5 O'Level credits, with a N15,500 application fee. The Osun State College of Nursing Sciences is accepting applications for ND/HND Nursing programs from candidates with a minimum JAMB score of 170 and 5 O'Level credits, with a N15,000 fee.

The Nigeria Police Academy (NPA), Wudil, announced admissions for its 13th Regular Course Degree Programmes. Applicants must be Nigerian by birth, possess a NIN, a 2026 JAMB score of not less than 180 (and chose NPA as first choice), 6 O'Level credits in no more than 2 sittings (including English and Mathematics), and be between 16-21 years old. The application fee is N6,000, with an online portal open from June 3 to July 15, followed by an aptitude test.

Important Note for Applicants:

• JAMB CAPS: Crucially, many institutions mandate uploading O'Level results on the JAMB CAPS portal. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification.
• First Choice: Most institutions require candidates to have chosen them as their first choice, or to process a change of institution via JAMB.
• Varying Deadlines: Application deadlines range from early July to late September. Candidates are advised to check specific institutional portals and communicate through valid email addresses and phone numbers.

Expanding Horizons: New Programs & Opportunities

Diverse Academic Programs and Scholarship Initiatives

The academic landscape is set to diversify with the introduction of new programs and valuable scholarship opportunities. The University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE), Akamkpa, secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence 14 new academic programs for the 2026/2027 session. These include B.Sc. Accounting, Business Administration, Public Health, Nursing Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Medical Laboratory Science, and Computer Science, among others. Candidates with a 2025 UTME score of 150 and above are encouraged to apply.

The University of Uyo (UNIUYO) opened admissions for its one-year Basic Studies (JUPEB) and Pre-Degree programs for 2026/2027, providing pathways to 200-level direct entry or preparation for the JAMB examination. UNIUYO also launched sales of application forms for its diverse Postgraduate programs for 2026/2027, including Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master's Degrees, M.Phil/Ph.D, and Doctoral Degrees across 17 faculties. Eligibility requires a minimum of 5 O'Level credits (including English and Mathematics) and an NYSC certificate, with a non-refundable application fee of N20,000. For postgraduate students at Lagos State University (LASU) from the 2024/2025 set, the deadline for submitting Bio-Data forms for certificate processing is June 30, 2026.

The University of Offa (UNIOFFA), Kwara State, announced full and partial scholarship opportunities for the 2026/2027 admissions exercise. Scholarships are available for programs such as Computer Science, Microbiology, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Economics, Mass Communication, Political Science, Accounting, and Business Administration. All prospective students applying for Education programs and Physics with Electronics will also be considered for Partial Scholarships, with applications closing on July 24, 2026.

In a critical update for legal aspirants, the Council of Legal Education reiterated that only universities accredited by the Council are authorized to admit students into the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) program in Nigeria. The Council warned that admissions into unapproved programs would render students ineligible for admission into the Nigerian Law School, urging public caution and reliance on the official list of accredited institutions.

Academic Calendar, Fees & Student Policies

Key Dates, Financial Deadlines, and Attendance Mandates

Students across various institutions are reminded of crucial dates, financial obligations, and strict academic policies. Federal Polytechnic, Bida, announced that its Second Semester, 2025/2026 Academic Session, officially commenced with students returning to campus by June 7 and lectures beginning on June 8. Similarly, the University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE), Akamkpa, set June 5 as the resumption date for its Second Semester 2025/2026, with course registration beginning on June 8.

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL) also confirmed June 8 as the resumption date for its Second Semester 2025/2026, with an "Add and Drop Courses" registration window from June 29 to July 4. Meanwhile, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta reiterated June 12 as the final deadline for paying the outstanding 40% balance of school fees and completing registration for the Second Semester, warning that no further extensions would be granted. MAPOLY's mid-semester tests are scheduled from June 22 to June 26.

Regarding school fees, Federal University Wukari (FUWUKARI) extended its payment deadline by two weeks, from June 7 to June 21, in consideration of technical difficulties experienced by students. Southern Delta University reminded its students that full payment of school fees and maintaining a minimum of 70% attendance are mandatory requirements for eligibility to sit for the Second Semester Examinations. This aligns with the strict academic policies on attendance, as both Isa Kaita College of Education and SAZU Faculty of Social Science emphasized a "mandatory 75% minimum lecture attendance policy" for examination eligibility, with lectures having already commenced or registration opening on June 8 respectively.

In examination news, the Nigerian College of Accountancy (NCA) announced its Professional Examination Board (PEB) exams from June 8 to June 12, and Professional Examination Association (PEA) exams from June 15 to June 19, with specific paper requirements for full-time and mature students. The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) scheduled its 2026/2027 Postgraduate Qualifying Entrance Examination for June 13.

Campus Administration & Student Welfare

Leadership Changes, Security Concerns, and Student Services

The week saw significant administrative changes, a tragic security incident, and ongoing efforts to enhance student welfare and services. At Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, the Governing Council approved the appointment of Engr Dr Temilola Morufat Adepoju as acting Rector, Mr Akinlolu Akinpade as Registrar, and Mr Mufutau Alao as Bursar, with effect from May 14, 2026. This follows a period of transition after the expiration of the pioneer principal officers' tenure.

In a somber development, Lagos State University (LASU) reported the tragic death of one of its students, Otabor Boluwatife Joseph, from injuries sustained during an armed robbery attack off-campus in the Iba area of Lagos on May 29. The university management expressed profound sadness, engaged with the bereaved family, police, and hospital authorities, renewing concerns about student security in surrounding communities.

On a more positive note regarding campus safety, the management of Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH) debunked a "malicious and misleading AI-generated image" circulating on social media, falsely depicting armed gunmen at its main gate. OGITECH categorically stated the image was fabricated and confirmed no such incident occurred, warning against the dissemination of false information and committing to a safe learning environment.

In terms of student conduct, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, announced a total ban on all forms of "signing-out celebrations" for graduating students, both within and outside institution premises. This directive aims to ensure students uphold the polytechnic's image and warns of disciplinary action for non-compliance.

For student services, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria commenced the collection of ID cards for newly admitted 100-level and 200-level Direct Entry students on June 8, with a structured, faculty-based schedule to ensure an orderly process. Furthermore, the Student Representative Council (SRC) of Federal University Kashere (FUKASHERE) reassured students residing around Gates 2 and 3 of ongoing efforts to restore electricity, with transformer repairs anticipated within the week.

Academic life also featured a series of inaugural lectures and matriculation ceremonies. The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) announced its 40th Inaugural Lecture for June 25, to be delivered by Professor Rosemary Ochanya Ogbodo-Adoga. Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA) scheduled its 42nd Inaugural Lecture for June 10, while Bayero University, Kano (BUK) will host its 60th Professorial Inaugural Lecture on June 11, addressing "Population Growth and Nigeria’s Youth Bulge." Matriculation ceremonies were announced by Abdulkadir University, Minna (June 4), Atiba University (June 4), and Makurdi College of Health and Medical Laboratory Science (June 27).

Campus Spotlight:

• LASU Tragedy: Student dies from armed robbery injuries, prompting renewed campus security dialogue.
• OGITECH Alert: Institution debunks AI-generated fake security image, emphasizes official communication channels.
• Kogi Poly Ban: Graduating students prohibited from "signing-out" celebrations to maintain institutional reputation.

Looking Ahead

As the academic calendar progresses, students are encouraged to remain vigilant for upcoming deadlines and events. The Post-UTME and Direct Entry application windows for many institutions will begin to close in July and August, notably FUKASHERE (July 1), LASUED (July 5), Southern Delta University (July 10), Nigeria Police Academy (July 15), KWASU (August 17), FUAHSE (August 19), and LASU Foundation program (August 21). Postgraduate applications for UNIUYO also remain open for two months from the announcement date. Students at FUDUTSIN-MA have until July 31 for their Post-UTME registration, while FULOKOJA’s portal closes on September 13.

Crucial examinations are also on the horizon: UNILAG Sandwich Programme entrance exam on June 6, NCA's PEB exams from June 8-12 and PEA exams from June 15-19, and UNILORIN's Postgraduate Qualifying Entrance Examination on June 13. MAPOLY's mid-semester tests run from June 22-26. Newly admitted students at ABU Zaria should adhere to their faculty's scheduled ID card collection days starting June 8. Finally, for those eyeing scholarship opportunities, UNIOFFA's application deadline is July 24.