By Ogochukwu Isioma
Management of the University of Benin has barred students who have not paid their school charges for the current academic session, from sitting for the forthcoming semester examinations of the institution.
The decision was taken by the University’s Council, according to a memo sighted by METROWATCHXTRA.COM dated April 26, 2023 addressed to Deans of Faculties and signed by the Registrar, Ademola Bobola.
According to the Registrar, the Council’s decision is against the backdrop of the huge debt profile of the Institution arising from non-payment of school charges by students.
“Council noted that there was no way the University could run well to meet its various obligations without prompt collection of charges,” the memo reads in part.
METROWATCHXTRA.COM recalls that the University had last year introduced a N20,000 late school fee payment penalty. The decision, however, did not go down well as the students revolted and forcefully removed the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian Salami from her official residence in protest, and forced her to rescind the decision.
An official of the University, who spoke to METROWATCHXTRA.COM on the condition of anonymity, said the students should be grateful to the University for giving them a chance to attend lectures despite owing charges, “and all that time, they (the students) knew that they are required to register.”
The official further explained that the University relies on fees for running of the Institution, adding that the University’s Students’ Regulations clearly indicates that they (the students) need to register for the semester by paying up charges owed for them to be eligible to sit for the examinations.
