The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has charged students to pay their school fees and avoid gambling with them as the implementation of the “No School Fees, No Exam” policy begins.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi made this known on Thursday during a pre-first semester examination roadshow conducted around the main campus located in Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.
The Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Victor Akujuru, warned students not to make things difficult for their sponsors.
Speaking further, Prof. Zeb-Obipi encouraged the students to prepare ahead of the examination slated to begin on April 22, 2025, by registering their courses and highlighted the consequences of failing to do so.
“Your primary obligation as a student is to pay your fees and attend your classes,” Prof. Zeb-Obipi said. “Some of you are given fees, but you divert them to something else. You embark on investments; some of you go to BetNaija hoping to double the money, and then the money doesn’t come. So, you don’t pay, you don’t register.”
“Having spent our time and resources today to sensitize everyone on the need to pay and register, lecturers are on notice. Anybody who is not on the attendance sheet will not be able to write the exam. You can only get on the attendance sheet when you have paid your fees and registered.”
The VC appealed to students not to let a semester’s fees ruin their academic progress or embarrass their parents.
“Pay your fees, and when you have paid, ensure that you register, because that registration is crucial to ensure your name enters the attendance list. When you have done that, you will be able to write exams without any hindrance.”
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He also encouraged students facing financial hardship to apply for the Federal Government’s NELFUND student loan, which is interest-free and allows repayment after graduation and two years of employment.
“Consult the Directorate of Student Affairs on how you can apply for the NELFUND,” he advised.
Also speaking, Registrar Mrs. Ibimonia Harry advised students who are unable to continue due to financial or personal challenges to consider the university’s one-year deferment option.
She explained that students can apply through their Head of Department, attaching proof of payment and a formal request.
Mrs. Harry also warned students against examination malpractice, noting that anyone caught would face serious disciplinary actions, including possible suspension or expulsion.
“Stop giraffing, writing on thighs, or carrying bullets into the exam hall. If you’re caught, begging won’t help. The rules are clear, and the penalties are strict,” she warned
