In a significant development, the authorities of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola, convened a meeting on September 14, 2023.
With the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Usman Umar Barambu according to Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, Head, Communication Unit, University of Lagos Management.
The meeting was attended by senior members of the Association and leaders from UNILAG’s nine faculties and the College of Medicine.
At the outset of the meeting, NANS President Comrade Barambu articulated the key demands of UNILAG students he said.
1. The reversal of obligatory fees.
2. The rollback of hostel fees.
3. The reinstatement of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at UNILAG.
Comrade Barambu emphasized that the absence of the Students’ Union Government had hindered effective communication between students and the university’s management.
He underscored the importance of the SUG as a channel for students to voice their concerns appropriately.
Professor Ogunsola acknowledged the challenging financial situation facing the university due to prevailing economic realities and the institution’s efforts to meet its obligations to students, staff, and service providers.
The Vice-Chancellor outlined UNILAG’s commitment to implementing various measures aimed at mitigating the impact of the obligatory fees review.
These measures include the Instalment Payment Option, Work-Study Programme Revitalization, Assistance to Indigent Students, the Triple A Project, the Pay for Mentors Project, and various Scholarship Opportunities.
Professor Ogunsola reaffirmed the university’s dedication to providing quality education to all its students, regardless of their social, economic, or tribal backgrounds.
Following a thorough evaluation of the issues raised by both students and university management, the meeting produced the following consensus:
1. Utility Charges for all categories of students were reduced from ₦20,000:00 to ₦15,000:00.
2. The obligatory fees for new undergraduate students were revised to ₦116,325:00 for Courses without Lab/Studio and ₦166,325:00 for Courses with Lab/Studio.
3. The obligatory fees for returning undergraduate students were revised to ₦80,750:00 for Courses without Lab/Studio, ₦120,250:00 for Courses with Lab/Studio, and ₦170,250:00 for Medical/Pharmacy students and students in Health Professions.
4. The Convocation Fee for all final-year students was reduced from ₦30,000:00 to ₦27,000:00.
5. Hostel fees were adjusted as follows:
– For undergraduate hostels in Akoka and Yaba campuses, the fees were reduced from ₦90,000:00 to ₦43,000:00.
– For hostels in Idi-Araba campus, the fees were reduced from ₦120,000:00 to ₦65,000:00.
– The fees for Sodeinde Hall were reduced from ₦250,000:00 to ₦135,000:00.
6. The Vice-Chancellor committed to initiating the process of reinstating students’ union activities at the university.
The comprehensive meeting, which spanned over five hours, was attended by UNILAG management staff, including Professor Lucian Chukwu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services); Professor Musa Obalola, Dean of Students Affairs; and Professor Adebisi Sunday, Director of the Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre (ESDC).
