University of Ibadan Opens ODeL Admission Route for Candidates Shut Out by Quota Limits

The University of Ibadan (UI) has opened an alternative admission route for qualified candidates who were unable to gain admission through its regular on-campus system because of limited quotas and insufficient physical space.

The university said eligible candidates can now access its Open, Distance and eLearning (ODeL) programme as a second opportunity to pursue their preferred university education.

The special application window for the 2025/2026 academic session is scheduled to close on August 15, 2026, with classes for the special cohort expected to commence on August 17.

Prof. Olufade Onifade, Director of the UI Distance Learning Centre (DLC), made the announcement in a statement from the centre and called on qualified candidates to apply before the deadline.

According to Onifade, candidates who took part in the university’s Post-UTME screening can move from the conventional mode of study to ODeL without paying a change-of-mode fee.

“The UI-ODeL programme provides flexible virtual classes with mobile learning, interactive course materials and physical revision sessions. Courses are taught by the same faculty lecturers who handle conventional programmes, and learners graduate with the same prestigious University of Ibadan degree,” he said.

Onifade noted that the programme covers a broad range of first-degree courses, providing an opportunity for qualified candidates to study despite the constraints posed by physical classroom capacity.

Available courses include B.Sc. Computer Science, B.Sc. Statistics, B.Sc. Psychology, B.Sc. Economics, B.Sc. Political Science, B.Sc. Sociology, B.A. English, B.A. Communication and Language Arts, B.Ed. Educational Management and B.Sw. Social Work, among others.

He specifically stated that candidates who participated in the 2026 UI Post-UTME exercise are eligible for the free change-of-mode opportunity.

“Candidates who took the 2026 UI PUTME qualify for the free change-of-mode offer. Such candidates are required to visit the official change-of-mode application portal to switch their mode of study from the conventional on-campus option to the ODeL programme,” Onifade said.

He added that candidates who did not participate in the Post-UTME but meet the necessary requirements may also apply afresh for the special cohort.

The DLC director urged interested candidates to submit their applications promptly, warning that available slots could be filled before the deadline.

“Other interested candidates who are qualified may submit a fresh application for the special cohort. With the August 15 deadline fast approaching, the university encourages qualified candidates to act immediately, as slots are expected to fill up quickly,” he said.

UI said students admitted through the ODeL pathway will receive the same University of Ibadan degree while benefiting from a flexible academic model that includes virtual teaching, mobile learning, interactive course materials and physical revision sessions.

Africans Angle News