The management of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, has officially released a circular addressed to all returning students, including those enrolled in full-time and part-time programmes, concerning the payment of fees and completion of registration for the 2025/2026 Academic Session.

This announcement serves as an important reminder to students who are continuing their studies at the institution, as the university has clearly stated a strict deadline for compliance. The circular emphasizes the need for students to take the notice seriously in order to avoid any academic or administrative complications during the session.

Official Circular from the University Management

The notice was issued through an official circular signed by the Registrar of the university, Dr. Bayo Orukotan, which confirms its authenticity and importance. As the chief administrative officer of the university, the Registrar’s office is responsible for communicating key academic and administrative decisions to students and staff.

According to the circular, all returning students—regardless of their mode of study—are required to pay their fees and complete registration on or before Sunday, 11th January, 2026.

The university has made it clear that this deadline is firm and non-negotiable, except where explicitly stated.

Categories of Students Affected by the Notice

The circular applies specifically to returning students, which includes:

• Undergraduate students continuing from previous levels

• Students in full-time programmes

• Students enrolled in part-time programmes

This means that any student who has already been admitted in previous academic sessions and is resuming for the 2025/2026 session must comply with the directive.

Fresh students are not directly addressed in this circular, as the notice is targeted at students who are already part of the university system.

Deadline for Fees Payment and Registration

The university has fixed Sunday, 11th January, 2026, as the final deadline for:

• Payment of all required school fees

• Completion of course registration

Students are advised not to wait until the last minute before taking action, as delays may arise due to technical issues, banking challenges, or portal-related problems.

The management has stressed that failure to meet the deadline may affect a student’s ability to participate fully in the academic session.

Importance of Timely Fees Payment

Paying school fees on time is a critical responsibility for every student. At Olabisi Onabanjo University, fees payment is closely tied to a student’s eligibility to:

• Register for courses

• Attend lectures

• Participate in continuous assessment

• Sit for examinations

• Access academic records and services

Late or unpaid fees can disrupt a student’s academic progress and may lead to unnecessary stress during the session.

Registration as a Mandatory Academic Requirement

In addition to fees payment, the circular emphasizes registration as a compulsory academic process. Registration confirms that a student is active for the academic session and recognized officially by the university.

Students who fail to register within the approved period may not be captured in departmental and faculty records for the session, which could affect their academic standing.

Policy on Leave of Absence (LOA)

One of the most important points highlighted in the circular is the university’s policy regarding Leave of Absence (LOA).

According to the notice:

No approval for Leave of Absence will be granted after the stipulated deadline, except in cases supported by health grounds.

This policy note is very significant and requires careful attention from students who may be considering deferring their studies.

Understanding Leave of Absence (LOA)

A Leave of Absence is an official permission granted by the university that allows a student to temporarily suspend their studies for a specified period without losing their studentship status.

Common reasons students apply for LOA include:

• Personal challenges

• Family responsibilities

• Financial difficulties

• Health-related issues

However, the university has clearly stated that applications for LOA must be made before the deadline, unless the request is based on medical or health reasons.

Health Grounds as the Only Exception

The circular specifies that health grounds are the only acceptable reason for granting LOA after the deadline.

This means:

• Students with genuine medical conditions may still be considered

• Such requests must be properly documented

• Medical evidence may be required to support the application

This policy is aimed at preventing misuse of the LOA process and ensuring that academic records remain accurate and up to date.

Why the University Is Enforcing a Strict Deadline

The decision to enforce a strict deadline is part of the university’s effort to ensure:

• Proper academic planning

• Accurate student records

• Smooth conduct of lectures and examinations

• Efficient allocation of resources

When students delay registration or fees payment, it creates administrative challenges for departments and faculties. By setting a clear deadline, the university promotes order and discipline within the academic system.

Issuance Date of the Circular

The circular was officially issued on Tuesday, 6th January, 2026. This provides students with reasonable notice ahead of the deadline, allowing them enough time to make necessary arrangements.

The early issuance of the notice reflects the university’s commitment to transparency and effective communication with its students.

Advice to Students from the University

The management of Olabisi Onabanjo University has urged all affected students to:

• Take the notice seriously

• Pay their fees promptly

• Complete registration within the approved period

• Avoid waiting until the deadline day

Students are encouraged to plan ahead and resolve any challenges early to ensure a smooth registration process.

Role of the Registrar’s Office

The Office of the Registrar plays a crucial role in the administration of academic activities at OOU. By issuing this circular, the Registrar’s office ensures that students are well informed of important policies and deadlines.

The signature of Dr. Bayo Orukotan, the Registrar, confirms that the directive is an official university decision and not a departmental or unofficial announcement.

Implications of Non-Compliance

Although the circular does not explicitly list penalties, students should understand that failure to comply with official university deadlines often has consequences, which may include:

• Inability to complete course registration

• Exclusion from academic activities

• Loss of sessional status

• Administrative difficulties

Students are therefore strongly advised to comply fully to avoid any negative impact on their studies.

Guidance for Part-Time Students

The notice clearly includes part-time students, emphasizing that the directive applies to all returning students, regardless of their mode of study.

Part-time students are encouraged to:

• Monitor official university communications

• Adhere strictly to the same deadlines

• Ensure they meet all administrative requirements

This inclusion highlights the university’s commitment to fairness and equal treatment of all students.

Importance of Following Official University Notices

Students are advised to always rely on official circulars and announcements released by the university through authorized offices.

Ignoring or delaying action on official notices can lead to avoidable challenges that may affect academic progress.

Message to Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians are also encouraged to support students by:

• Reminding them of important deadlines

• Encouraging timely payment of fees

• Promoting discipline and responsibility

Such support plays a key role in helping students succeed academically.

OOU’s Commitment to Academic Order

Olabisi Onabanjo University continues to demonstrate its commitment to:

• Proper academic administration

• Transparent communication

• Timely execution of academic activities

By issuing clear directives and firm deadlines, the university ensures that the academic session runs smoothly for both students and staff.

Final Reminder to Students

As the 11th of January, 2026 approaches, all returning students of Olabisi Onabanjo University are reminded to:

• Pay all required fees

• Complete registration promptly

• Resolve any issues before the deadline

• Take note of the LOA policy

Compliance with these instructions will help ensure a seamless and stress-free academic session.

Conclusion

The circular issued by the management of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, is a clear and important directive for all returning students ahead of the 2025/2026 Academic Session.

With a firm deadline set for fees payment and registration, and a strict policy on Leave of Absence, the university has outlined expectations clearly. Students are encouraged to act promptly and responsibly to avoid any academic setbacks.

By adhering to the instructions contained in the circular, students can look forward to a smooth, organized, and successful academic session at Olabisi Onabanjo University.