A United States–based Nigerian academic has criticised the management of the Federal University Dutse following the circulation of a senate-approved circular setting 25 marks as the minimum score for a concessional pass.
Moses Ochonu raised the concern on X, describing the development as a troubling sign for the future of higher education in Nigeria. “It is finished. Has it gotten to this? The future is bleak,” he wrote while sharing the document.
The circular, dated December 23, 2025, and issued by the university’s Directorate of Academic Affairs, informed staff and students that the Senate, at its 73rd extraordinary meeting, approved 25 marks as the minimum obtainable score for the award of a concessional pass across all faculties and departments. It stated that the policy would take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
According to the notice, the decision followed observations that some students deliberately skipped lectures, refused to write continuous assessment tests or failed to sit for examinations under the assumption that they would automatically be granted a concessional pass. The university said such behaviour undermined academic standards and contravened senate guidelines.
The circular, signed on behalf of the registrar, added that only students who scored 25 marks and above would henceforth be considered for a concessional pass.
