Higher Institutions in Nigeria with Non-Functional Websites: A Barrier to Access for Current and Prospective Candidates

Higher institutions in Nigeria—universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education—are critical to the nation’s educational and economic development. With over 250 accredited institutions under the oversight of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigeria offers a wide range of academic opportunities. Yet, a significant challenge persists: many of these institutions maintain non-functional or outdated websites, failing to provide current and prospective candidates with timely admission news.

This article examines the state of these digital platforms, their implications for students, specific examples including Federal University Gashua (FUGASHUA), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Imo State University (IMSU), Abia State University (ABSU), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria), Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDUTSINMA), Federal University Kashere (FUKASHERE), Bayero University Kano (BUK), Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK), and others, and proposes solutions to address this systemic issue.

The Role of Websites in Higher Education

In today’s digital era, institutional websites are indispensable tools for communication and administration. For Nigerian higher institutions, they serve as the primary channel for sharing admission updates, academic calendars, and administrative processes with students and stakeholders. With approximately two million candidates vying for fewer than 700,000 admission slots annually, according to JAMB statistics, access to accurate and timely information is crucial. Websites should provide details on application deadlines, post-UTME screenings, cut-off marks, and admission lists. However, when these platforms are non-functional or rarely updated, they hinder students’ ability to navigate the competitive admission process, exacerbating an already strained system.

The State of Higher Institutions’ Websites in Nigeria

A review of websites across Nigeria’s higher institutions reveals a stark divide. While some maintain functional and current platforms, many—including prominent federal and state universities—suffer from neglect. Common issues include outdated content, broken links, lack of mobile optimization, and infrequent updates. This problem spans institutions like FUGASHUA, ATBU, FUOYE, IMSU, ABSU, ESUT, UNIABUJA, ABU Zaria, FUDUTSINMA, FUKASHERE, BUK, FUNAI, and FUBK, among others, where prospective candidates often encounter barriers to accessing vital admission information. This digital dysfunction undermines the credibility of these schools and their ability to serve their communities effectively.

Implications for Current and Prospective Candidates

The consequences of non-functional websites are profound:

1. Missed Opportunities: Admission timelines in Nigeria are rigid. When websites like those of FUOYE or IMSU fail to update screening dates or admission lists, candidates risk missing deadlines, effectively losing their chance at enrollment.
2. Increased Stress and Uncertainty: Students turn to unreliable sources—social media, rumors, or costly trips to campus—when official websites falter, as seen with institutions like ABSU and ESUT.
3. Inequity in Access: Rural students, who rely heavily on websites due to limited physical access, are disproportionately affected when platforms like FUDUTSINMA or FUKASHERE are outdated.
4. Administrative Delays: Current students at UNIABUJA or ABU Zaria, for example, face challenges with registration and result checking when websites are down, stalling their academic progress.

Case Studies: Institutions with Non-Functional Websites

Here are specific examples of institutions, including those you requested, grappling with non-functional or rarely updated websites:

1. Federal University Gashua (FUGASHUA)
   Located in Yobe State, FUGASHUA’s website (www.fugashua.edu.ng) has been criticized for sporadic updates. During the 2025/2026 admission cycle, prospective students reported that admission news lagged, with post-UTME details remaining unchanged from prior sessions, forcing reliance on physical announcements.
2. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU)
   ATBU in Bauchi (www.atbu.edu.ng) often features broken links to its admission portal. Candidates seeking 2025/2026 screening information encountered error messages, highlighting a recurring issue of technical neglect.
3. Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
   FUOYE (www.fuoye.edu.ng) has faced complaints about outdated admission content. For instance, the 2025/2026 admission list remained online well into 2025, confusing applicants for the current session.
4. Imo State University (IMSU)
   IMSU (www.imsu.edu.ng) struggles with infrequent updates. During the 2025/2026 cycle, post-UTME schedules were not posted online promptly, leaving candidates to seek updates through unofficial channels.
5. Abia State University (ABSU)
   ABSU (www.absu.edu.ng) exemplifies the problem of broken links and outdated news. Prospective students in 2024 reported difficulties accessing admission forms, with the site often redirecting to error pages.
6. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
   ESUT (www.esut.edu.ng) has a functional site but rarely updates admission sections. Screening dates for 2025/2026 were missing online, frustrating applicants who depend on digital access.
7. University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
   UNIABUJA (www.uniabuja.edu.ng) has faced downtime and outdated content issues. In 2024, admission lists were delayed online, despite being available on campus, alienating distant candidates.
8. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria)
   ABU Zaria (www.abu.edu.ng), a leading federal university, occasionally falters with its admission portal. Prospective students in 2025/2026 noted that updates on cut-off marks were absent, despite the site’s prominence.
9. Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDUTSINMA)
   FUDUTSINMA (www.fudutsinma.edu.ng) has been flagged for inconsistent functionality. Admission news for 2025/2026 was not updated timely, leaving applicants uncertain.
10. Federal University Kashere (FUKASHERE)
    FUKASHERE (www.fukashere.edu.ng) suffers from outdated content. Post-UTME details for the current session were missing, pushing students to travel to Gombe State for updates.
11. Bayero University Kano (BUK)
    BUK (www.buk.edu.ng), despite its reputation, has faced criticism for slow updates. Admission lists for 2025/2026 were delayed online, impacting candidates’ planning.
12. Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI)
    FUNAI (www.funai.edu.ng) has a functional site but lacks regular admission updates. Prospective students in 2024 reported outdated screening information.
13. Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK)
    FUBK (www.fubk.edu.ng) struggles with accessibility. During the 2025/2026 cycle, the admission portal was intermittently offline, disrupting applications.
14. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
    UNIMAID (www.unimaid.edu.ng) has outdated admission sections, with 2025/2026 details lingering into 2025, confusing prospective candidates.
15. Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
    This polytechnic (www.fpno.edu.ng) frequently goes offline during admission periods, leaving ND and HND applicants stranded.

These examples underscore a widespread issue affecting both federal and state institutions, with varying degrees of severity.

Root Causes of Non-Functional Websites

Several factors contribute to this problem:

1. Funding Constraints: Public institutions like ATBU, FUGASHUA, and IMSU face budget limitations, prioritizing physical infrastructure over digital maintenance.
2. Lack of Technical Expertise: Schools such as ABSU and FUDUTSINMA often lack skilled IT staff to manage websites effectively.
3. Bureaucratic Delays: Institutions like UNIABUJA and ESUT suffer from slow administrative processes, delaying content updates.
4. Poor Internet Infrastructure: Nigeria’s unreliable connectivity affects institutions like FUBK and FUKASHERE, complicating server maintenance.
5. Cultural Reliance on Physical Channels: Many schools, including ABU Zaria and BUK, historically favor notice boards over digital platforms.

Comparative Perspective: Institutions Doing It Right

Some Nigerian institutions excel in maintaining functional websites:

• Covenant University (www.covenantuniversity.edu.ng) updates admission news promptly.
• University of Lagos (UNILAG) (www.unilag.edu.ng) offers a reliable portal for candidates.
• National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) (www.nou.edu.ng) ensures current information for distance learners.

These examples prove that effective digital management is achievable with commitment and resources.

Solutions to Address the Problem

To resolve this issue, the following steps are recommended:

1. Increased Funding: Allocate budgets for website maintenance, leveraging funds like TETFUND for schools like FUOYE and IMSU.
2. Capacity Building: Train IT staff at institutions like ABSU and FUKASHERE to manage digital platforms.
3. Centralized Portals: JAMB or NUC could host a unified admission platform for all schools, reducing pressure on individual sites like UNIABUJA or BUK.
4. Mobile Optimization: Redesign sites like FUDUTSINMA and FUNAI for smartphone access.
5. Regular Audits: NUC should enforce standards, penalizing non-compliant schools like ATBU or ESUT.
6. Public-Private Partnerships: Tech firms could support schools like FUGASHUA and FUBK with affordable solutions.
7. Student Advocacy: Pressure from students at ABU Zaria or IMSU could spur action.

Conclusion

Non-functional websites at Nigerian higher institutions like FUGASHUA, ATBU, FUOYE, IMSU, ABSU, ESUT, UNIABUJA, ABU Zaria, FUDUTSINMA, FUKASHERE, BUK, FUNAI, and FUBK represent a significant obstacle to educational access. As Nigeria aims to advance its tertiary education system, addressing this digital gap is imperative. By tackling funding, expertise, and infrastructure challenges, these institutions can enhance their online presence, ensuring that current and prospective candidates receive the timely information they deserve. The stakes are high—every outdated website risks derailing a student’s future.