The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has formally replied to a pre-action notice served on it by a law firm alleging irregularities in the institution’s Post-UTME process. The reply, issued by the university’s Legal Unit on October 4, 2025, questioned the validity of the correspondence sent by the lawyer, citing issues with his professional credentials.

According to the response, signed by the Director of Legal Services, Yinka Ayantola, the letter from Kene Nnadi of F.K. Nnadi & Co, Enugu State, bore a 2024 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) seal. This, the university noted, indicates that the lawyer has not renewed his practicing license for 2025—a requirement for any legal representation or correspondence on behalf of clients.

“It is our observation that the seal you affixed to your letter under reference is your 2024 seal. As you are aware, you have a duty to pay your practicing fee for 2025 to enable you to write as a lawyer. It is therefore our request that you establish your right to practice for the year as required by the relevant regulations,” the university’s letter stated. The Legal Unit further emphasised that it was acting on instructions from the university management to seek clarification on the lawyer’s eligibility to act in the matter.

OAU’s Legal Unit concluded that until the lawyer provides proof of an up-to-date practicing license, his pre-action notice would not receive formal acknowledgment or processing. The university’s response underscores its adherence to professional standards and due process in handling legal communications, especially those involving sensitive institutional matters.