The decision by the management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Idi-Araba campus, Lagos State, to increase the hostel fee from ₦65,000 to ₦80,000 for two semesters and ₦100,000 for a full academic year did not settle well with students of the institution.
Trust Nigerians students, it did not take time before they began thinking of ways to air their displeasure over the increase.
“Greatest kpo kpo, greatest kpa kpa”, they screamed in agreement when the idea of a protest popped up.
Now, as we speak, students of the school have launched protests in response to the hike in hostel fees.
UNILAG Students Vs School Authorities
Students of the College of Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy are the ones most affected.
Chanting slogans like “Change the memo, we no dey go,” the students voiced their anger and demanded a reversal of the fee increase.
They expressed disappointment over the management’s decision to impose higher fees despite prior agreements.
UNILAG authorities had issued an eviction order, instructing students to vacate the hostels, escalating the already tense situation on campus.
Defiant protesters have refused to leave, insisting their demands be met before considering any move.
Notice Of Vacation
Police officers have been deployed to the protest site to ensure the situation does not escalate further, though tensions remain high as students urge the school to reduce the proposed fees and listen to their grievances.
A letter, signed by Principal Assistant Secretary of the Students Affairs Unit, Olusegun Akinnagbe, directed students to vacate the hostels, despite having paid the full year’s fees.
The notice reads: “Notice of Vacation of the Hostel to Non-Medical Graduating & Undergraduate Students of the College of Medicine and Faculty of Pharmacy
“Further to our notice reference: CM/SA/D/17/VOL.1 dated October 16, 2024 with respect to the above subject, Management has directed as follows.
“Any student who is desirous of staying in the hostel pending the defense of his/her project, industrial attachment or any other valid reason must apply in writing through his/her Head of Department through the Dean to the Provost.
“It is compulsory to state the length of stay in the hostel. Applications must reach the Students Affairs Office latest by Monday, October 28, 2024.”
Akinnagbe also noted that students granted approval to stay would be charged a fee, prorated accordingly.
