The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has barred no fewer than 5,000 students from participating in the ongoing second semester examinations for failing to pay their school fees.
This was disclosed in a memo issued by the Registrar, Ademola Bobola, on Monday, stating that the affected students ignored multiple reminders and failed to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
NELFUND, established under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act, 2024, and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 3, 2024, was designed to provide financial assistance to eligible Nigerian students to cover tuition, fees, and upkeep across approved tertiary and vocational institutions.
According to the memo, the students were barred from writing examinations that commenced on Monday, September 29, 2025. An enforcement team has also been set up to ensure strict compliance with the directive.
“With the second semester examination set to begin on Monday, September 29, 2025, these defaulting students shall be barred from writing the examination if they fail to pay their school charges or subscribe to the student loan by NELFUND. About 5,000 students have been identified in this category of defaulters,” the memo read.
The Registrar further emphasized that the decision was in line with the directive of the Senate of the University of Benin, mandating Provosts, Deans, Directors, and Heads of Departments to enforce the rule without compromise.
The memo instructed departments to publish lists of defaulting students no later than 8:00 a.m. on Monday, to give affected students an opportunity to resolve their status before the commencement of exams.
To guarantee compliance, UNIBEN has appointed an enforcement task force headed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic).
“Management expects full cooperation and compliance by all stakeholders to maintain the university’s high standards,” the memo concluded.
