LEGAL PRINCIPLE: EDUCATION LAW — University Autonomy — Court’s Reluctance to Interfere in University Examination Matters
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
A court that dabbles into the arena of university examinations, a most important and sensitive aspect of university function, should remind itself that it has encroached into the bowels of university authority. Such a court would be party to the destruction of the university.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Pats-Acholonu, JSC (quoting Niki Tobi, JCA), in Esiaga v. University of Calabar & Ors (2004) NLC-521999(SC) at p. 16; Paras B–D.
"A court of law which dabbles or flirts into the arena of University examinations, a most important and sensitive aspect of University function should remind itself that it has encroached into the bowels of University authority. Such a court should congratulate itself of being party to the destruction of the University and that will be bad not only for the Universities but also for the entire nation."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Courts are reluctant to interfere in university examination matters. The principle applies to education law. Universities have autonomy over academic affairs. The rule respects university authority. The court will not interfere unless there is a clear violation of law. The principle is well-established.