Student activism has played a crucial role in shaping educational policies in Nigeria, serving as a powerful voice for students’ rights, academic reforms, and broader societal change. From the colonial era to contemporary times, Nigerian students have consistently challenged policies that undermine the quality, accessibility, and fairness of education. Through protests, advocacy, negotiations, and even legal actions, student activists have influenced governmental decisions, shaped policy implementations, and held authorities accountable. Despite facing resistance and repression, their efforts have led to significant educational reforms and improvements.
The history of student activism in Nigeria dates back to the colonial period, when students actively protested against discriminatory educational policies and limited access to higher education. The establishment of the West African Students’ Union (WASU) in 1925 was a pivotal moment, as Nigerian students studying abroad, especially in the United Kingdom, advocated for better educational policies and the decolonisation of Nigeria.
In the post-independence era, student activism took on a more pronounced role. The formation of the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS) in the 1960s gave students a unified platform to demand educational and political reforms. Their activism led to improved funding for universities and increased student representation in decision-making processes. However, the government often viewed their demands as threats, leading to crackdowns and even bans on student movements.
In 1980, the restructuring of NUNS led to the birth of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which remains the foremost student body advocating for educational rights. Over the years, NANS and other student groups have influenced several educational policies, including funding allocations, tuition fee regulations, and academic autonomy for tertiary institutions.
One of the primary areas where student activism has had an impact is in advocating for increased funding for education. Nigeria’s educational sector has historically suffered from underfunding, leading to inadequate infrastructure, poorly paid lecturers, and declining academic standards. Student protests and organised campaigns have pressured governments into increasing budgetary allocations for education, although the progress has been inconsistent. For instance, in response to student-led demonstrations, the Nigerian government has occasionally reviewed the education budget to meet UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of at least 15–20% of national expenditure on education. Though Nigeria has yet to consistently reach this target, activism continues to push for better funding.
Another significant contribution of student activism is the resistance against arbitrary tuition and fee hikes in tertiary institutions. Many Nigerian universities and polytechnics have, over the years, attempted to increase tuition fees, often citing economic conditions and insufficient government funding as reasons. Student unions have mobilised protests and dialogues to prevent or reduce these hikes, making education more accessible to a larger number of students. One notable example was in 2018, when students of the University of Lagos and other institutions protested against the proposed fee increment, leading to a reversal of the decision. Similar protests in other universities have also resulted in fee reductions or extended payment plans for students from low-income backgrounds.
Student activism has played a role in shaping policies that affect the structure and quality of education in Nigeria. Over the years, students have fought for curriculum reforms, accreditation of new courses, and better regulation of tertiary institutions. Through petitions and organised meetings with government officials, they have influenced the inclusion of more relevant courses that align with modern economic and technological demands. For example, demands for a more practical-oriented curriculum have led to policy discussions on revising Nigeria’s education system to focus on skill acquisition and entrepreneurship. In recent years, advocacy efforts have also contributed to the increased attention given to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a viable alternative to conventional university education.
Student activists have continuously fought for academic freedom, particularly regarding the autonomy of universities and the rights of students to express their opinions without fear of victimisation. Cases of university authorities attempting to suppress dissenting voices through expulsions and suspensions have been met with strong resistance from student bodies and civil society organisations. There have been numerous instances where student activism has led to the reinstatement of wrongly expelled students or the repeal of policies aimed at limiting freedom of association within campuses. In 2021, for instance, activism by student unions and human rights organisations led to the reversal of disciplinary actions against student leaders at several Nigerian universities.
Corruption remains a major challenge in Nigeria’s education system, ranging from the embezzlement of funds meant for school projects to cases of extortion by lecturers and administrators. Student activists have exposed corruption in various institutions, demanding accountability from school authorities and the government. For instance, protests and social media campaigns have shed light on cases of sexual harassment by lecturers, leading to government intervention and policy changes such as the implementation of the Sexual Harassment Bill. Students have also advocated for transparent admission processes and the eradication of bribery in examinations and recruitment of lecturers.
Despite their achievements, student activists in Nigeria face numerous challenges. Many student leaders have been arrested, expelled, or suspended for leading protests. Some student movements lack effective coordination and unity, making their advocacy efforts less impactful. In addition some politicians attempt to hijack student movements for personal or partisan gains, undermining their credibility. Also, violent crackdowns on protests often discourage students from engaging in activism.
The landscape of student activism in Nigeria is evolving, particularly with the advent of digital advocacy. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp have become powerful tools for mobilising students, raising awareness about educational policies, and engaging policymakers. The use of online petitions and viral campaigns has made activism more accessible and far-reaching. To ensure continued impact, student movements must focus on building strategic partnerships with civil society organisations, educational stakeholders, and legal bodies. There is also a need for more structured advocacy that combines negotiations with peaceful protests to achieve long-lasting reforms. Student activism has played a significant role in shaping educational policies in Nigeria, driving reforms, and ensuring that student voices are heard in decision-making processes.
