BENIN CITY, Nigeria — More than 5,000 students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) may be barred from taking their semester examinations because they have not paid their school fees, raising fears of mass academic setbacks and protests.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

University officials confirmed this week that students who fail to settle outstanding fees will not be allowed into examination halls. Exams are scheduled to begin in October, leaving only days for affected students to comply.

The Vice Chancellor’s office said the rule is not new but part of long-standing school policy. However, the large number of students facing a ban this semester has drawn public concern.

“Students must pay their fees to be recognized as bonafide members of the university,” a senior administrator, who asked not to be named, told reporters. “Without payment, they cannot participate in exams. This is standard practice, not a punishment.”

Despite this, student unions and rights groups say the policy is harsh and risks pushing many young Nigerians out of higher education at a time when families are struggling with inflation, unemployment, and rising costs of living.

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) at UNIBEN has appealed to the school management to extend the deadline. Leaders argue that many students come from low-income families and have been unable to raise funds since tuition fees were increased last year.

“We are not saying students should not pay,” said an SUG representative. “But the economic situation in the country is very hard. Parents are struggling. Some students depend on part-time jobs. We are only asking for understanding and more time.”

Nigeria has faced steep inflation in the past two years, with food, rent, and transport costs soaring. Analysts say the financial strain has hit students especially hard. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics show that youth unemployment remains above 30 percent, leaving many students without reliable support.

Education experts warn that barring thousands of students could damage Nigeria’s human capital development. They say the country cannot afford to block access to higher education when it needs more graduates to drive economic growth.

Dr. Chika Okoye, an education analyst in Lagos, said schools should explore flexible payment plans. “Universities need revenue to function, but locking students out of exams is not the solution. It will only increase dropout rates,” she said.

Parents of affected students have also expressed frustration. Some say they were unaware of the strict deadline, while others complain that the school did not provide enough notice.

“I have two children in UNIBEN, and both are affected,” said Mrs. Grace Ovia, a trader in Benin City. “I sell in the market, but sales are poor. We are trying, but the money is not enough. I beg the school to give us more time.”

The exam ban threat has sparked heated discussions on social media, with many Nigerians criticizing universities for prioritizing revenue over student welfare. Hashtags calling for fee reductions have trended on X, formerly Twitter.

In response, UNIBEN officials insist that the institution relies on fees to maintain facilities, pay staff, and provide services. They argue that without strict enforcement, many students would delay payment indefinitely, putting the university under financial strain.

The situation remains tense as examinations draw closer. The SUG has called an emergency meeting to decide whether to organize peaceful demonstrations or continue negotiations.

Observers say how the standoff is resolved could set a precedent for other Nigerian universities facing similar financial pressures. Several institutions have already increased tuition fees, sparking student protests in Lagos, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt.

For now, the future of over 5,000 UNIBEN students hangs in the balance. Unless a compromise is reached, they could miss their exams and face an uncertain academic future.