The Council of Legal Education has officially imposed a 10-year moratorium on Atiba University in Oyo State, preventing it from offering law programs. This decision stems from significant deficiencies in the university's facilities and violations of legal education regulations, as revealed in a statement following the Council's Third Quarter Hybrid Meeting held on August 13, 2026.

The Council's findings indicated that Atiba University’s infrastructure was deemed "inappropriate and inadequate" for the establishment and operation of a Faculty of Law. Furthermore, it was reported that the institution had admitted and graduated students without securing the necessary approvals, thereby breaching established admission policies.

In a statement signed by Aderonke O. Osho, Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration, the Council emphasized that the moratorium is a regulatory measure aimed at ensuring compliance with the standards set for legal education in Nigeria. The Council's actions are intended to reinforce adherence to these standards while protecting the quality and integrity of legal education across the country.

The announcement of Atiba University's ban coincided with the approval of five other universities to commence law programs starting from the 2026/2027 academic session. These institutions include Amadeus University in Abia State, Akwa Ibom State University, European University of Nigeria in Abuja, Oduduwa University in Osun State, and Peaceland University in Enugu. Each of these universities has been granted an initial admission quota of 50 students for their first-year intakes.

In contrast, Maranatha University in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, was denied approval to start a law program due to numerous deficiencies discovered during the verification process. The Council also announced increases in admission quotas for several other universities, reflecting a commitment to enhancing legal education standards. Bowen University, Ajayi Crowther University, and Topfaith University will see their quotas rise from 50 to 100 students for the upcoming academic session. Other institutions like North-Eastern University and Elizade University will also benefit from increased quotas.

These developments highlight the Council's ongoing efforts to maintain high educational standards within Nigeria's legal education sector, ensuring that only institutions that meet the required criteria can offer law programs.