Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, has released an official directive informing all returning students of a fixed deadline for the payment of school fees and completion of registration for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The notice applies to students in both full-time and part-time programmes and serves as a reminder that failure to comply within the approved timeframe may disrupt academic participation for the session.

University Releases Official Administrative Directive

The announcement was communicated through a formal circular issued by the university’s Registrar, Dr. Bayo Orukotan, giving the directive full administrative authority.

According to the circular, every returning student is required to pay all applicable fees and complete registration on or before Sunday, 11 January 2026. The management made it clear that the deadline is firm and will not be adjusted except under clearly defined circumstances.

Students Covered by the Notice

The directive specifically affects students who are already enrolled in the university system and are resuming their studies for the new session. This includes:

• Undergraduate students moving to a new academic level
  
• Students registered under full-time programmes
  
• Students enrolled in part-time courses
  

Newly admitted students are not the focus of this particular notice.

Final Date for Fees Payment and Course Registration

OOU has designated Sunday, 11 January 2026, as the last day for:

• Payment of all outstanding and current school fees
  
• Completion of online and departmental course registration
  

Students are strongly encouraged to act early rather than wait until the closing date, as last-minute delays caused by banking issues or portal challenges may prevent successful registration.

Why Prompt Fees Payment Is Essential

The university emphasised that timely payment of school fees is directly linked to a student’s ability to function academically. Without full payment, students may be unable to:

• Register for courses
  
• Attend lectures
  
• Participate in continuous assessment
  
• Sit for examinations
  
• Access academic and administrative services
  

Delays in payment often lead to unnecessary academic pressure and complications later in the session.

University Position on Leave of Absence (LOA)

A key aspect of the circular addresses the university’s policy on Leave of Absence (LOA).

The management stated clearly that applications for LOA submitted after the registration deadline will not be approved, except in cases related strictly to medical reasons.

This clarification is particularly important for students considering a temporary withdrawal from studies.

What Leave of Absence Means

A Leave of Absence is an official approval granted by the university that allows a student to pause academic activities for a specified period without forfeiting studentship.

Common reasons for requesting LOA include:

• Personal or family challenges
  
• Financial difficulties
  
• Health-related concerns
  

However, the university stressed that such applications must be submitted within the approved timeline.

Medical Grounds Remain the Only Exception

According to the directive, health-related cases are the only acceptable grounds for approving LOA after the deadline. Students making such requests must provide appropriate medical documentation to support their claims.

This measure is intended to maintain accurate academic records and discourage misuse of the LOA process.

Reason for the Strict Deadline

The university explained that enforcing a clear deadline helps to ensure:

• Effective academic planning
  
• Accurate student data management
  
• Smooth conduct of lectures and examinations
  
• Proper allocation of institutional resources
  

Delayed registration often creates administrative difficulties for faculties and departments, which the university aims to minimise.

Advisory to Returning Students

The management has urged all affected students to:

• Treat the notice as urgent
  
• Complete payment and registration without delay
  
• Resolve any technical or financial challenges early
  

Planning ahead, the university noted, is key to avoiding unnecessary setbacks.

Closing Note

The official directive from Olabisi Onabanjo University serves as a crucial guide for returning students preparing for the new academic year. With a clear deadline and well-defined policies, the university has outlined its expectations clearly.

Students who act promptly and responsibly can look forward to a smooth, organised, and productive academic session at OOU.