In a bid to address recurring cases of students missing examinations due to non-payment of fees and incomplete registration, Rivers State University has flagged off a university-wide sensitization roadshow, reiterating its “No Fees, No Exams” policy.

The school management led a campus-wide roadshow, visiting various faculties to engage and sensitize students across the university on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Professor Victor Akujuru, emphasized the importance of fulfilling students’ obligations to avoid being locked out of exams.

“You asked that we shift examinations, we agreed and deferred commencement till April 22, 2025. Your primary obligation as a student is to pay your fees and go for your classes.”

Professor Akujuru cautioned against misuse of school fees by students, citing gambling and risky investments as some of the reasons students fail to meet their obligations.

“Don’t let one semester’s fees embarrass you or your family, only registered students will appear on the attendance sheet”.

He recommended that students who are not able to meet up payment should apply for the NELFUND, a Federal Government loan scheme designed to assist students.

“Consult the directorate of student affairs on how you can apply, when you apply and you are verified,you will obtain that loan free of interest, your fees will be covered until you graduate and work for two years, you don’t start paying back”.

The Registrar, I.B.S Harry, reinforced the importance of proper course registration alongside fee payment.

“Paying school fees is not enough. You must also register your courses to appear on the attendance sheet. Without that, you can’t write exams”.

She also explained deferment options available for students facing financial or personal hardships.

“You can defer your studies for a year with proper documentation. We understand that challenges arise, but follow due process.”

On discipline, the registrar warned against exam malpractice.

“Giraffing, carrying bullets, writing on thighs, these are serious offenses. If caught, punishment ranges from suspension to expulsion”.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Professor A. Igoni noted that the roadshow aims to eliminate excuses from students who claim ignorance about the policies.

He emphasized that they are creating awareness so students will not say they were not informed.

Meanwhile, some students have expressed mixed feelings about the strict enforcement of the policy. Vivian Chiamaka, a final-year student of Theatre and Film Studies, shared her experience.

“I was once a victim. I couldn’t write some exams, and it destroyed my result. I had carryovers and even had to repeat some courses. The school could consider alternatives like withholding results instead of full exclusion.”

As RSU moves closer to April 22 exam date, the message remains clear: fulfill your academic obligations or forfeit your chance to sit for examinations.