UNILAG ends 10-year student union suspension, inaugurates president, others

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Tuesday inaugurated a new Students’ Union Executive Council, restoring student unionism 10 years after it was suspended, with Vice-Chancellor Folasade Ogunsola presiding over the ceremony held at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, Akoka.

The inauguration follows the university’s decision earlier in March to reinstate the union after successful elections into key positions.

The Students’ Union was suspended on April 24, 2016, after protests over welfare concerns such as water shortages and electricity supply. The management at the time said the protests threatened security and academic stability.

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The university, in a statement issued by its Head of the Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, said the ceremony also included the inauguration of hall executives and representatives of the Institute of Continuing Education programmes.

Addressing the newly elected leaders, Ogunsola urged them to see their roles as a call to service to both students and the wider university community.

She recalled that the suspension of the union followed violent protests that disrupted academic activities and led to damage of university property, expressing confidence that the new leadership would prioritise discipline, dialogue, and constructive engagement.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of “responsible leadership, describing the inauguration as a significant milestone in the institution’s governance and student engagement framework.”

During the ceremony, a legal practitioner, Risqiat Usman, administered the Oath of Office, after which the Staff of Office was presented to the Students’ Union President, Bolaji Akinpelu.

Other executives sworn in include Vice-President Apalomo Sunday, General Secretary Solomon Daniel, and President of the Institute of Continuing Education, Oreoluwa Abraham.

Hall chairpersons inaugurated were Egbaaibon Christopher (El-Kanemi Hall), Junaid Samuel (Eni-Njoku Hall), Abigael Encharia (Fagunwa Hall), Egbaaibon Kayode (Femi Gbajabiamila Hall), and Yinusa Teslim (King Jaja Hall), alongside Ebunoluwa Basit (Prof Saburi Biobaku Hall), Augustine-Ojie Emmanuella (Madam Kofo Ademola Hall), Okpei Peace (Madam Tinubu Hall), Oseni Oyinkansola (Makama Bida Hall), Ebun Oluwaseun (Mariere Hall), Abiola Olamide (Moremi Hall), Babawale Boluwatife (Sodeinde Hall), and Erhabor Joanna (Queen Amina Hall).

The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Johnson Agunsoye, said the inauguration “signals the commencement of a phased process leading to the full constitution of the Students’ Union Executive Council and Students’ Parliament in the 2026/2027 academic session.”

Agunsoye added that, as part of support for the new leadership, the Vice-Chancellor approved a N5m take-off grant, temporary office space, and the refurbishment of an 18-seater bus for union activities.

Also speaking at the event, the Divisional Police Officer of Sabo Police Station, Comfort Alabi, urged the student leaders to promote peace, uphold discipline, and reject social vices.

Speaking on behalf of the executives, Akinpelu described the development as “a new beginning,” pledging renewed, purposeful, and responsive leadership for the student community.