Tension at UNILAG as NANS Calls for Student Union Restoration

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) in Akoka was engulfed in tension on Monday as calls from student leaders for the restoration of student unionism heightened anxiety. The situation led to the deployment of security personnel at the main gate of the university, with fears that the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) might mobilize students for a protest.

Despite the anxiety, UNILAG’s Head of Media Unit, Alhaja Ajoke Alaga Ibrahim, dispelled claims of any protests. She clarified that the day’s activities included faculty and department elections for student associations, not a protest. However, she acknowledged that NANS had previously issued an ultimatum demanding the restoration of student unionism, although no formal letter had been sent to the university management.

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“The management of the university has set up a committee to look into the student unionism issue, comprising students and other stakeholders, including the recognized NANS faction. The committee will submit its report by the end of this month,” Ibrahim stated.

Background and Current Developments

The call for the reinstatement of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) is not new. In 2016, UNILAG management suspended student unionism following a violent protest over poor municipal services. The recent push for its restoration has brought to the fore underlying tensions within the university community.

Femi Adeyeye, a student leader and co-convener of the Fund Education Coalition (FEC), emphasized that their coalition opposes the privatization and commercialization of education. He highlighted the need for democratizing the school community and reinstating the SUG.

“Our demand is the reinstatement of SUG. The media uproar was triggered by NANS’ ultimatum to UNILAG. The ultimatum expired today, and the school management, in their usual suppressive manner, deployed police officers throughout the campus. Protest was not even on our agenda today, but this does not rule out the possibility of future protests if necessary,” Adeyeye explained.

Security Measures and University Management’s Stance

The deployment of security personnel around UNILAG underscores the administration’s cautious approach to potential unrest. The presence of police was reportedly a preventive measure to ensure campus safety amidst the ultimatum’s expiration.

The university’s proactive step of forming a committee to address the student unionism issue indicates a willingness to engage with student concerns. This committee’s findings, expected by the end of the month, could be pivotal in shaping the future of student governance at UNILAG.

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Looking Forward

As UNILAG navigates this period of heightened anxiety, the outcome of the committee’s deliberations will be closely watched by all stakeholders. The potential restoration of the SUG holds significant implications for student representation and activism on campus.

For now, the university community remains on edge, awaiting concrete actions from the management that address student demands while maintaining campus stability.

For more details, read the full report on Vanguard.

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