Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (AIFUE) in Owerri has strongly refuted a viral online report that falsely claimed the institution admitted fewer than 1,000 students during the 2024/2025 academic session. The university management has described the publication as malicious and threatened legal action if the false claims are not retracted.
University Debunks False Admission Figures
In an official statement released by the institution's Head of Public Relations, Nnaemeka Ijioma, AIFUE categorically denied the report published by an online blog hosted on Opera News platform. The controversial publication had alleged that the university was among 20 tertiary institutions in Nigeria that struggled to enroll up to 1,000 students each, specifically claiming AIFUE admitted only 942 students for the 2024/25 session.
The university management expressed particular concern about the report's attempt to link the fabricated admission numbers to Federal Government policy, suggesting that AIFUE might lose crucial funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The statement also criticized the publication for unnecessarily dragging the Honourable Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, into what they described as completely false information.
Actual Matriculation Numbers Revealed
Contrary to the online report, AIFUE management provided detailed evidence of the actual admission numbers. According to the official records, the university matriculated a total of 2,428 students during the 2024/2025 academic session. This figure was formally announced during the institution's matriculation ceremony held on April 4, 2025.
The breakdown of the matriculated students includes:
- 2,383 Bachelor's degree students
- 45 Professional Diploma in Education students
This matriculation ceremony was particularly significant as it marked the historic first matriculation since the institution's upgrade to a full university status. The event was well-attended by thousands of students, parents, university staff, dignitaries, and members of the press at the University Pavilion.
University Demands Retraction and Apology
The AIFUE management has demanded immediate action from the offending online platform, theglittersonline.com.ng. The university insists on the immediate takedown of the offensive publication and an unreserved public apology for spreading misinformation that undermines the integrity of a federal institution.
Failure to comply with these demands will result in legal action, according to the university's statement. The management emphasized that such false reports not only damage the institution's reputation but also create unnecessary panic among students, parents, and stakeholders.
The university also used the opportunity to clarify its current admission status, noting that it has released two admission lists for the 2025/2026 academic cohort and has already admitted nearly 2,000 students. Following the extension of the admission window for public universities from October 31 to November 17, 2025, by the JAMB Registrar, the university continues to process admissions and invites qualified candidates to apply.
Ijioma further highlighted the institution's robust academic offerings, stating that available programmes span across Arts, Education, Sciences, and Technology, including B.A, B.Ed, and B.Sc degrees. He also emphasized the university's quality infrastructure, including experienced lecturers, functional laboratories, workshops, studios, and one of the best libraries in Imo State with access to e-Library facilities.
The public relations head also revealed that four hostels are currently undergoing major turnaround maintenance funded by TETFund, demonstrating the continued support from the government agency contrary to the implications in the false report.
The university has urged the public and all stakeholders to disregard the viral report and rely only on information published on the official university website at www.alvanikoku.edu.ng for accurate and verified information about the institution's activities and developments.
