Hundred of Students of the Rivers State University on Tuesday, staged a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt over a “No school Fees No Exam” policy by the University management.
The students marched out of the campus located at the Mile 3 area of the metropolis, singing and calling on the school to reverse it’s decision.
It was reported that some students, including those in final year who were unable to pay the 2021/2022 school fees were barred from taking their examinations on Monday.
The affected final year students expressed fears that the decision of the institution’s management would make them spend an extra year in the school, with the resultant tuition fees it would also attract.
The students marched from the Mile 3 area to Ikwerre road to the State Government House, along Azikiwe Road in Port Harcourt to register their grievances.
The President, National Union of Rivers State Students, Monmon Precious, who spoke with newsmen said; “The students came out today to protest against an alien policy of “no school fees, no examination.''
“It is not deliberate for us not to pay our tuition fees, the economy is very difficult. If it is difficult for government to fund projects, certainly, the students will also have challenges in paying school fees.''
“Our bursaries (stipend) has been withheld, no more scholarship in Rivers State. All we want is the old policy that allows students to take their exams and maybe their results would be withheld during clearance until they make all the payments.” 
A student leader, Koki Gbenga on his part said; “I receive daily messages from fellow students who threaten to kill themselves because of the economic situation in the country and in the state.''
“They (management) should consider us and allow us to study and write exams. If students are forced out of school at this critical moment, they may cause mayhem to themselves and the society.”
The River State University spokesperson, Emeka Egbechu, said it is an internal matter and it will be resolved.
He said; “I will not speak much on it until I hear from the Vice Chancellor. All I can tell you now is that there is no cause for alarm. It is an internal matter, and there is calm on our campus as we speak. When I get clarification to speak, I’ll let you know.”