Students at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), located on the Idi-Araba campus, have organized protests in response to a recent increase in hostel fees.
The students affected are primarily from the College of Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy. The unrest began after the university administration announced a new fee structure, setting hostel fees at N80,000 for two semesters and N100,000 for the entire academic year. This marks a significant increase from the previous rate of N65,000, which was agreed upon last session, as reported by SaharaReporters.
During the protests, students chanted slogans such as “Change the memo, we no dey go,” voicing their discontent with the management’s decision to raise the fees despite previous agreements. They are calling for an immediate reversal of the proposed increases, expressing their frustration at being subjected to higher charges.
In a move that escalated tensions, UNILAG authorities issued an eviction notice to the students, instructing them to vacate the hostels. Despite this directive, protesters have remained steadfast, refusing to leave until their demands are acknowledged and addressed.
SaharaReporters has also learned that police have been dispatched to monitor the situation and prevent any potential escalation of the protests. Despite the heavy presence of law enforcement, the atmosphere on campus remains charged, with students urging the university administration to reconsider the fee hike and engage in dialogue to resolve their concerns.
A letter from Olusegun Akinnagbe, the Principal Assistant Secretary of the Students Affairs Unit, has circulated among the students, informing them of the requirement to vacate the hostels, even if they have already paid for the academic year. The notice specifically targets non-medical graduating and undergraduate students from the College of Medicine and Faculty of Pharmacy.
The letter outlined, “Further to our notice reference: CM/SA/D/17/VOL.1 dated 16th October 2024, Management has directed as follows.” Akinnagbe set the deadline for students to vacate the hostels by noon on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
Students who wish to remain in the hostel for legitimate reasons, such as project defense or industrial attachment, are required to submit a written request through their department head and to the Provost, specifying the intended duration of their stay. Applications must be submitted to the Students Affairs Office by Monday, October 28, 2024, and those approved will incur a prorated fee.
Attempts by SaharaReporters to obtain comments from Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the Head of the Communication Unit, were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or messages.
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