University of Lagos (UNILAG), Idi-Araba campus students have taken to the streets in protest against a significant increase in hostel fees, prompting a tense standoff with university authorities.
Primarily affecting students from the College of Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy, the protests erupted after the school management announced a fee hike to ₦80,000 for two semesters and ₦100,000 for the full academic year—up from ₦65,000 in the previous session.
Chanting slogans like “Change the memo, we no dey go,” the students expressed their anger and disappointment over the management’s decision, which they argue breaches prior agreements. In an attempt to quell the unrest, UNILAG authorities issued an eviction notice demanding that students vacate the hostels, further escalating tensions on campus.
In a letter signed by Olusegun Akinnagbe, Principal Assistant Secretary of the Students Affairs Unit, the management stated, “Notice of Vacation of the Hostel to Non-Medical Graduating & Undergraduate Students of the College of Medicine and Faculty of Pharmacy.” The letter outlined that students wishing to remain in the hostel for legitimate reasons must submit a written application by October 28, 2024.
Despite police presence aimed at maintaining order, protesters remain resolute, insisting their demands for a fee reduction and a reconsideration of the eviction orders must be met before any evacuation occurs. The students’ determination highlights the ongoing struggle for affordability in higher education, as they call on the administration to listen to their grievances and act in good faith.
