A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has adjourned the case between students of University of Port Harcourt and the school management.
The presiding judge, Amino Mohammed Turaki, adjourned the matter for hearing to 8th June.
The students had filed a lawsuit against the school management over a policy statement that led to their demotion, suspension, and expulsion as a result of nonpayment of tuition fees within a specified period.
The management of the university failed to make an appearance in court on Monday for hearing on the matter.
Counsel to the students, Lezina Amegwa, said the complainants are fighting for their fundamental rights, stressing that the students are challenging the policy which is inconsistent with the laws of the university.
“We have written and served the University a pre-action notice after obtaining the consent and authorization of the students. The university deliberately ignored it, so the lawsuit must take its course.
‘’The vice chancellor cannot be alpha dominus with respect to determining the destiny of the students who arguably hold the future of this great country.
“Where Dracula policy statements are made that are not in tandem with the position of the law and acts which establishes the university, they must be challenged.
“The students are demanding specifically, the reversal of that policy. The policy cannot stand. They are fighting to return back to school. Those of them that are due for graduation should be cleared and allowed to pay their fees. They cannot be demoted even after exhausting their academic years.” she said.
