UNILAG revives Students’ Union after 10-year ban, swears in new executives

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has officially revived its students’ union after a ten-year hiatus, with Vice-Chancellor Folasade Ogunsola presiding over the inauguration of the new executive body on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

The ceremony, held at Tayo Aderinokun Hall, marked the swearing-in of the University of Lagos Students’ Union (ULSU) Executives, Hall Executives, and representatives from the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE). This move signals a significant return to student unionism, which was suspended in 2016.

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Professor Johnson Agunsoye, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, described the event as a “major milestone” in the university’s history. He explained that this inauguration is the first step in a phased process, with a fully constituted Students’ Union Executive Council and Parliament expected to be in place for the 2026/2027 academic session.

To support the new leadership, Professor Agunsoye announced that the Vice-Chancellor had approved a ₦5 million take-off grant, a temporary office, and the refurbishment of an 18-seater bus for the union’s use.

He urged the student leaders to maintain the university’s tradition of excellence, emphasizing that their leadership should be built on “integrity, humility, and responsibility.” He also encouraged them to prioritize dialogue over confrontation and unity over division.

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In her address, Vice-Chancellor Ogunsola commended the new executives for pioneering the return of student governance. She recalled that the union’s proscription a decade ago was a result of violent protests that disrupted campus peace and led to property damage.

Professor Ogunsola thanked the University Senate for approving the reactivation and reminded the leaders that their duty is to serve the entire university community, not just the student body.

A new chapter begins at the University of Lagos.

After a decade-long pause, UNILAG has officially revived its Students’ Union, inaugurating the ‘Renaissance Administration’ under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola.

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— University of Lagos (@UnilagNigeria) March 24, 2026

“We want to entrust you with the opportunity to leave behind a better institution than you met it,” she stated. “This calls for reflection. It is not fun being a leader, but it is rewarding, and the joy comes in retrospect.”

Also present was Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Comfort Alabi, the Divisional Police Officer for Sabo Police Station. She advised the student leaders to be “beacons of hope” for their peers, promote order, and avoid vices like cultism that could derail their academic careers.

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Responding on behalf of the new executives, ULSU President Bolaji Akinpelu hailed the moment as a new beginning. He dubbed his team the “Renaissance Administration,” promising a new era of responsive and purpose-driven student leadership.

The ceremony’s climax was the administration of the Oath of Office by Barrister Risqiat Usman from the university’s Legal Unit, followed by the Vice-Chancellor presenting the Staff of Office to President Akinpelu.