UNILAG Officially Restores Student Unionism After Decade-Long Suspension
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has formally reinstated student union activities, marking the end of a ten-year prohibition that began in 2016. This historic move was celebrated with the inauguration of new members to the Students’ Union Executive Council (SUEC), signaling a renewed commitment to student representation and governance on campus.
A Decade of Suspension Comes to an End
The proscription of the Students Union Government (SUG) was originally enacted following Senate approval on April 24, 2016. This decision came in response to intense student protests over critical welfare issues, including persistent water shortages and unreliable electricity supply. These demonstrations had escalated to the point of disrupting campus peace and causing property damage, prompting the university management to suspend union activities indefinitely.
Vice Chancellor Commends Student Leaders
During the swearing-in ceremony held at Tayo Aderinokun Hall, Vice Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola addressed the newly elected student leaders, which included Hall Executives and representatives from the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) programme. She praised their willingness to pioneer the return of unionism after its lengthy suspension.
"We want to entrust you with the opportunity to leave behind a better institution than you met it. This calls for reflection. It is not fun being a leader, but it is rewarding, and the joy comes in retrospect," Prof. Ogunsola stated. She expressed gratitude to the university’s Senate for approving the reactivation of student union structures and reminded the executives that their mandate extends beyond representing students to serving the entire university community.
Substantial Support and Expectations
The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Johnson Agunsoye, highlighted that the inauguration represents the foundational phase of a broader process leading into the 2026/2027 academic session. He lauded the vice chancellor for approving a N5 million take-off grant, providing temporary office space, and overseeing the ongoing refurbishment of an 18-seater bus for the University of Lagos Students’ Union (ULSU).
Prof. Agunsoye urged the student leaders to uphold the university’s tradition of excellence in learning and character, emphasizing that leadership must be anchored on integrity, humility, and responsibility. He further charged them to prioritize dialogue over confrontation, unity over division, and progress over stagnation.
A New Beginning for Student Leadership
The ULSU President, Bolaji Akinpelu, speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated executives, described the event as a significant new beginning. He declared the new ULSU executives as the "Renaissance Administration," signaling a fresh era of quality and responsive student leadership guided by purpose and accountability.
The ceremony culminated with the administration of the oath of office by Risqiat Usman of the university’s legal unit, formally installing the new leadership and marking the official restoration of student unionism at UNILAG after a ten-year hiatus.
