The University of Ibadan (UI) has announced that limited on-campus space will no longer prevent prospective students from earning a degree from Nigeria's premier university, pointing to its Open, Distance, and eLearning (ODeL) programme as an alternative route to a full UI qualification. The initiative is specifically designed for candidates who participated in the Post-UTME screening but could not secure conventional admission.
Key Details of the ODeL Admission Opportunity
Professor Olufade Onifade, director of the university's Open and Distance Learning programme, made this known while speaking with Legit.ng in Ibadan on Saturday, August 8, 2026. He said the initiative was put in place to give candidates who participated in the Post-UTME screening but could not secure conventional admission another chance to study at UI.
The special cohort application window closes Saturday, August 15, 2026, with classes beginning just two days later on Monday, August 17, 2026. This tight timeline is intended to ensure that the new cohort can start the academic session without further delay.
Who Can Apply and How
According to Prof. Onifade, candidates who sat for the 2026 UI Post-UTME examination are eligible to switch from the on-campus mode to the ODeL programme at no cost. He directed interested candidates to visit the official change-of-mode application portal to complete the process. For those who did not originally choose UI during their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) application, the professor said a fresh application remains an option, provided they meet the required qualifications.
"With the August 15 deadline fast approaching, the university encourages qualified candidates to act immediately, as slots are expected to fill up quickly," Onifade said.
Same Degree, Flexible Learning
Professor Onifade described the ODeL programme as a flexible learning model that combines virtual classes, mobile learning, interactive course materials, and periodic physical revision sessions. He stressed that the same faculty members who teach conventional on-campus programmes also handle ODeL courses, and graduates receive the same University of Ibadan degree.
"The UI-ODeL programme provides flexible, virtual classes with mobile learning, interactive course materials, and physical revision sessions. Courses are taught by the same faculty lecturers who handle conventional programmes, and learners graduate with the same prestigious University of Ibadan degree," he said.
Available Courses and Impact
The programme currently offers first degrees across a range of disciplines, including B.Sc. Computer Science, B.Sc. Statistics, B.Sc. Psychology, B.Sc. Economics, B.Sc. Political Science, B.Sc. Sociology, B.A. English, B.A. Communication and Language Arts, B.Ed. Educational Management, and B.Sw. Social Work.
This development is significant for Nigerian education, as it expands access to quality university education without the constraint of physical infrastructure. It also aligns with global trends in distance learning, making it possible for more students to pursue higher education while balancing other commitments.
Related News: UI Commendation Letter
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a pharmacist reacted on X after receiving a letter of commendation from UI and an invitation to an award ceremony. The pharmacist, of the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, expressed delight about the letter as she displayed it. In the letter, UI's deputy vice-chancellor said her abstract has been selected for consideration at the proposed University-Industry Conference.
This latest admission opportunity underscores UI's commitment to innovative educational delivery, ensuring that no qualified candidate is left behind due to space constraints.
