Education

UNILAG Ends 10-Year Ban on Student Unionism, Inaugurates New Student Leaders

Ademola Busayo Posted on 1 hour ago 1 minute read

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has officially ended a 10-year ban on student union activities and sworn in new student leaders.

The new Students’ Union President is Bolaji Akinpelu. The swearing-in ceremony took place on March 24, 2026, at Tayo Aderinokun Hall and was led by the Vice-Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola.

Other student leaders, including hall executives and representatives of the Institute of Continuing Education, were also inaugurated.

The Dean of Student Affairs, Johnson Agunsoye, said this is an important step toward bringing back full student union activities. A complete student union government is expected to be in place by the 2026/2027 academic session.

The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the new leaders to serve responsibly and improve the school. She also approved ₦5 million to help them get started, gave them a temporary office, and promised to fix an 18-seater bus for their use.

A police officer, Comfort Alabi, advised the students to maintain peace and avoid cultism and violence.

UNILAG had suspended the student union in 2016 after protests over poor welfare conditions turned violent and led to damage of property. Since then, the school has managed student affairs without a union, until now.

With this new development, student representation has officially returned to the university.