The University of Ibadan (UI) has become a major topic of discussion online following widespread reactions—ranging from praise to skepticism and outright criticism—after announcing that 58 out of 146 students in its Faculty of Law graduated with First Class Honours.
On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the university’s verified X account (@ibadanuni) shared the breakdown of the 2025 graduating class:
– First Class Honours: 58
– Second Class Honours (Upper Division): 71
– Second Class Honours (Lower Division): 17
The post simply read: “Congratulations to UI LAW Students. First Class Honours: 58, Second Class Honours, Upper Division: 71, Second Class Honours, Lower Division: 17. Congratulations Once Again 🎉.”
The announcement quickly went viral, sparking a mix of admiration, disbelief, humour, and in some cases ethnic-tinged commentary. While many congratulated the students and the institution for the impressive performance, others questioned the credibility of such a high proportion (approximately 40%) achieving First Class.
Prominent commentator Chidi Odinkalu (@ChidiOdinkalu) tweeted: “So 58 out of 146 students in the law faculty at @UniIbadan supposedly made 1st class? That is like 40% of the class? It is either a class spectacularly littered with geniuses or @inecnigeria now awards the grades in the faculty. Congratulations to #INEC.”
The University of Ibadan responded directly on February 18, 2026:
“Respectfully sir @ChidiOdinkalu, You do not measure success by the quantum of failures. If you feel offended with the numbers of first class we have. You’re free to write jamb again sir & enroll in UI to know our grading system. IF IT IS FROM UI, IT IS OF OUTSTANDING QUALITY ♥️💡.”
Other notable reactions included:
– @Samzonal: “This is laughable 😂. This is how to downgrade a university. A class of 146, producing 58 first class. Wowwww, just wowwww.”
– @liviscosmart: “First class now na water.. Very soon first class graduates go plenty pass second class.”
– @Dr_AbbyD: “UI Law Class of 2025, take your flowers. 58 First Class is not a typo, it is hard work and serious consistency. Congratulations to everyone… Sometimes people really did the work, simple.”
– @Sphinxtee: “The first class has turned wishy washy these days… During our time, it’s usually just 1 first class or 2 max. I’m certain these ones relied on chat GPT for the assignments and classwork.”
– @esther_ak1: “If a private school produced this number of first class graduates in one department, the comments would be different.”
The exchange has reignited national conversations about academic standards, grade inflation, merit, the credibility of university assessments, and the role of social media in shaping perceptions of institutional excellence.
