Final-year students at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) are facing a significant financial burden after the university issued a directive mandating them to pay a staggering N649,400 for clearance by October 4, 2024. This fee is not for tuition but for a series of clearances that cover various aspects of their academic journey.
Details of the Fees
The extensive list of fees required for clearance includes:
- Admissibility Clearance: N77,000
- Medical Clearance: N64,000
- Year 4 Clearance Fee: N74,000
- Student Affairs Clearance Fee: N78,500
- Biometric Clearance Fee: N30,000
- Digital Final Course Enrolment Clearance Fee: N32,000
- JAMB and SSCE Certificate Verification Clearance Fee: N175,000
- GES Clearance Fee: N76,500
- Library Clearance Fee: N42,400
In addition to these payments, students must provide various documents, including passport photos, school fees receipts, and clearance receipts from previous years. The requirements are outlined in a document titled “List, Fees And Requirements For Final Year Online And Physical Clearance (2023/2024 Academic Session).”
University’s Response
The demand for such a substantial amount has led to frustration and confusion among students and their parents. They argue that the clearance fees far exceed typical university charges and are not in line with the university’s usual fees.
Dr. Sam Kpenu, UNIPORT’s Director of Public Relations, has publicly dismissed the clearance fee list, labeling it as “outrageous.” According to Dr. Kpenu, the university does not issue such lists or require such high fees. He asserts that the Quality Assurance unit, which allegedly issued the memo detailing the fees, does not have the authority to make such announcements.
Memo Controversy
The controversy intensified with a memo from the Director of the Quality Assurance and Quality Control unit, Prof. Chioma Blaise Chikere. This memo, dated July 4, 2024, detailed the clearance requirements and confirmed the payment deadline of October 4, 2024. It instructed final-year students to complete their registrations at various university centers.
Dr. Kpenu refutes the authenticity of this memo, claiming that only the Registrar’s office has the authority to release public information and that no such clearance fee structure exists within the university’s usual protocols.
Ongoing Uncertainty
As it stands, there is a significant gap between the university’s public statements and the documents circulated among students. While UNIPORT officials deny knowledge of these fees, the directive remains an ongoing source of concern. Students and parents are left in a state of uncertainty as they await further clarification from the university authorities.
