….Management Insists on Strict Policy
Tension is mounting at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), as no fewer than 5,000 students face the risk of being barred from participating in the second-semester examinations scheduled to begin today, Monday, September 29, 2025.
The institution’s management says the affected students failed to comply with its long-standing “no school fees, no examination” policy, despite repeated reminders and the availability of loan options.
In a memo signed by the Registrar, Mr. Ademola Bobola, the university said it had received a comprehensive list of students yet to pay their charges or access the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) facility.
Bobola stressed:
“With the second-semester examination set to begin today, students who fail to settle their school charges or subscribe to the student loan scheme will not be allowed to sit for the examinations.”
Task Force to Enforce Compliance
To ensure strict adherence, UNIBEN’s Senate has directed all provosts, deans, directors, and heads of departments to publish the names of defaulting students by 8 a.m. today.
An enforcement task force, chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), has also been set up to monitor the process and ensure there are no compromises.
The registrar noted that the decision was necessary to maintain academic discipline and sustain the university’s standards.
“Management expects full cooperation from all stakeholders. Compliance with financial obligations is crucial to the university’s smooth operations,” he added.
NELFUND Loan Option Underutilised
The university expressed concern that despite the availability of student loan support through NELFUND, many students failed to apply.
The initiative was designed to cushion the burden of tuition and ensure that financial challenges do not hinder learning.
However, officials lamented that uptake among UNIBEN students has been very low, with many either reluctant or uninformed about the process.
Policy Trends Across Nigerian Universities
The development at UNIBEN reflects a wider trend among Nigerian universities enforcing strict financial compliance.
Earlier in April this year, the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, implemented a similar “no school fees, no exam” policy. Its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, warned students against diverting funds meant for fees into gambling and other frivolous activities.
Education analysts say such measures highlight the growing financial strain facing both universities and students, raising concerns about access to higher education in the country.
Students in Dilemma
While management insists on its policy, many affected students are reportedly anxious and frustrated.
Some fear losing an entire academic session, while others argue that the economic hardship in the country makes it difficult for parents and guardians to meet the rising costs of tertiary education.
Stakeholders, including student unions and civil society organisations, are expected to weigh in as the examinations commence under tight scrutiny.