Students hoping to gain admission to Akwa Ibom State University of Education, Afaha Nsit, may be disappointed because the school is not on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board's approved list for the 2026/2027 academic year. 

A civil society organisation, the Centre for Human Rights Accountability Network, brought this matter to public attention on Wednesday during a media briefing in Uyo, citing multiple administrative concerns surrounding the institution's upgrade.

The state government converted the former Akwa Ibom State College of Education into a university in December 2025. As of now, JAMB has not recognised the university for admitting students who took the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Otuekong Franklyn Isong, who directs CHRAN, outlined several issues that may have complicated the institution's accreditation while reviewing the state of tertiary education in Akwa Ibom under Governor Pastor Umo Eno.

According to the organisation, the state's 2026 Appropriation Law continues to list the institution as a College of Education instead of a University of Education, raising questions about whether the upgrade has been properly formalised.

CHRAN highlighted that, at present, the university lacks critical structures, including a Vice-Chancellor, key officers, a Governing Council, a master plan, and an academic brief. Additionally, the group stated that the law establishing the university has not yet been made public.

The rights group expressed concern that the institution is being managed through "acting Provost" and "Chief Administrator" roles, which do not align with standard university governance structures that require a Vice-Chancellor.

CHRAN cautioned that failing to rectify these problems promptly could lead to the institution being denied recognition by other regulatory authorities, including the National Universities Commission and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, in addition to the current JAMB exclusion.

The organisation advised union representatives at the institution, particularly those in the College of Education Academic Staff Union, Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, to support efforts to normalise the situation rather than engage in activities that could worsen the institution's predicament.

This development means students hoping to gain admission to the institution through the 2026 UTME may need to consider alternative options until JAMB formally recognises the university and includes it in its admission processes.