Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi of the Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) to correct the degree classification of a graduate.
The court found that the institution acted unlawfully by downgrading the result of Shekoni Jemima Oluwagbemisola.
In the verdict delivered on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the court held that the university violated the fundamental rights of the plaintiff. OAU had changed her grade from “Pass with Credit” to a lower “Pass” without any lawful justification.
Consequently, the court awarded ₦5 million in damages against the university.
Furthermore, the judge ordered the institution to pay ₦800,000 as the cost of the suit, bringing the total financial penalty to ₦5.8 million.
Arbitrary Alteration of Academic Records
Oluwagbemisola is a graduate of Physiotherapy who earned a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation (B.MR) in 2023. She approached the court in Suit No. FHC/OS/CS/107/2025 to challenge the arbitrary alteration of her academic record.
Her counsel, Princewill Okoroafor of P. O. Okoroafor & Co (The Daniels Chambers), filed the suit. It revealed that the university initially confirmed her standing as “Pass with Credit” in a Statement of Result dated November 23, 2023.
The classification was also publicly affirmed during the OAU 47th Convocation in December 2023. She was listed in the official convocation brochure as graduating with the higher grade before the university revised it during her certificate application.
Justice Demi-Ajayi described the university’s conduct as “arbitrary and reckless.” She noted that the institution failed to adhere to acceptable standards and best practices expected of a reputable academic body.
“Having found that the university breached, violated and infringed on the fundamental rights of the applicant… the court holds that there is no doubt that the illegal and unlawful action of the defendant must have caused the applicant great inconvenience and hardship,” the judge held.
Exemplary Damages for Institutional Negligence
The court faulted the university for failing to publish the plaintiff’s final year results and neglecting to investigate the alleged error. The judge stated that such conduct showed a total disregard for the law and warranted exemplary damages.
Justice Demi-Ajayi referenced the appellate decision in Okafor & Anor v AIG Police Zone II Onikan & Ors (2019) to support the award. This precedent ensures that victims of a clear abuse of rights receive proper compensation.
Meanwhile, the court declared that OAU is legally bound to issue the original degree certificate reflecting the correct classification. This must align with the university Senate’s decision, which approved the result on November 20, 2023.
The alteration caused significant disruption to the plaintiff’s career. She had already used the earlier result for postgraduate applications and professional registration with the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria.
The court found that any reasonable person would conclude that the plaintiff suffered emotional and psychological stress. Therefore, OAU must now issue a corrected certificate consistent with its earlier official communications and Senate approval.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
