Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, has directed final-year students of its Department of Microbiology to retake a cancelled examination in the 2026/2027 academic session after paying their school fees, a decision that could delay their graduation and impose additional financial burdens on the affected students.
Gatekeepers News reports that the directive was contained in an internal memorandum dated October 15, 2026, issued by the university’s Senate Services Division and addressed to the Head of the Department of Microbiology.
According to the memo, the university’s Senate, at its 335th regular meeting held on September 23, 2026, ratified the Vice-Chancellor’s approval for the cancellation of the MCB 414 examination over an alleged violation of the institution’s regulations prohibiting wild jubilation by final-year students.
The examination, titled Anti-Microbial Agents and Chemotherapy, was reportedly written on September 18, 2026, before the students were accused of engaging in prohibited celebrations after completing the paper.
The university subsequently directed the affected students to retake the examination in the next academic session, 2026/2027, after paying their school fees.
The decision has raised concerns about the consequences for students who have completed their final-year examinations but must now wait another academic session to retake a single paper.
Beyond the cancellation, the requirement to pay school fees before sitting for the examination could impose additional financial pressure on the students and their families, particularly those who had expected to complete their studies and graduate after the 2025/2026 academic session.
While the university has maintained a policy prohibiting wild jubilation, its decision to defer the examination until the following academic session raises questions about whether the punishment is proportionate to the alleged misconduct and whether alternative disciplinary measures could have been considered.
AAU had earlier warned graduating students against celebrations involving vehicle, motorcycle and bicycle parades, pouring water, sand or drinks, shouting, hooting, dancing and other activities it considered capable of causing disorder.
The institution also advised students to reserve their graduation celebrations for the university’s convocation ceremony.
In a notice published on its official website, the university stated that departments or faculties violating the regulation would have their examinations cancelled and retake them after one academic session.
However, the immediate consequence for the Microbiology students is that their academic progress remains tied to the rescheduled MCB 414 examination, despite having already sat for the paper.
