Nine Years After Suspension, UNILAG Reinstates Students’ Unionism, Inaugurates Students’ Leaders
The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Nigeria has officially reinstated students’ unionism with the inauguration of new student leaders, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s governance and student engagement framework.
Recall the UNILAG senate on April 24, 2016 suspended student unionism, specifically the Student Union Government (SUG), indefinitely following protests regarding poor electricity and water supply, which the management claimed disrupted academic activities.
At the unveiling of the new leadership tagged, “Renaissance Administration”, on Tuesday, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the Students’ Union Executives, Hall Executives, and representatives of the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) programme held at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, UNILAG, Akoka.
Describing the event as a foundational step towards the full restoration of union structures, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Johnson Agunsoye, noted that the inauguration signals the beginning of a phased process leading to a fully constituted Students’ Union Executive Council and Students’ Parliament in the 2026/2027 academic session.
Professor Agunsoye revealed that as part of the University’s support for the newly inaugurated body led by its President, Akinpelu Bolaji, the Vice-Chancellor approved a ₦5 million take-off grant, provision of temporary office space, and refurbishment of an 18-seater bus for union activities.
In her address, Prof. Ogunsola congratulated the student leaders and commended their commitment to reviving unionism after its suspension in 2016.
The Vice chancellor, in a statement signed by Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, Head, Communication Unit, UNILAG, emphasised the importance of responsible leadership, urging the executives to view their roles as a call to service to both students and the broader University community.
Reflecting on the past, she noted that the suspension of the Students’ Union was necessitated by violent protests that disrupted academic activities and damaged property and expressed confidence that the new leadership would uphold the values of discipline, dialogue, and constructive engagement.
Also addressing the gathering, the Divisional Police Officer of Sabo Police Station, CSP Comfort Alabi, charged the student leaders to promote peace, uphold discipline, and reject all forms of social vices.
Speaking on behalf of the executives, President Bolaji Akinpelu described the development as “a new beginning, unveiling the ‘Renaissance Administration’ as a symbol of renewed, purposeful, and responsive student leadership”.
The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the Oath of Office by Barrister Risqiat Usman, followed by the presentation of the Staff of Office to the Students’ Union President, Bolaji Akinpelu.
The newly inaugurated Students’ Union Executives and Hall Chairpersons are President: Akinpelu Bolaji; Vice-President, Apalomo Sunday; General Secretary Solomon Daniel, and ICE President, Oreoluwa Abraham
Also inaugurated are Hall Chairpersons: El-Kanemi, Egbaaibon Christopher; Eni-Njoku, Junaid Samuel; Fagunwa, Abigael Encharia; Femi Gbajabiamila, Egbaaibon Leonard Kayode, and King Jaja, Yinusa Teslim.
Others hall chairpersons are Prof. Saburi Biobaku, Ebunoluwa Basit; Madam Kofo Ademola, Augustine-Ojie Emmanuella; Madam Tinubu, Okpei Peace; Makama Bida, Oseni Oyinkansola; Mariere, Ebun Oluwaseun; Moremi, Abiola Olamide; Sodeinde, Babawale Boluwatife, and Queen Amina, Erhabor Joanna.