The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has revived its Students’ Union, inaugurating newly elected executives and hall chairpersons after a 10-year suspension of union activities.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, presided over the swearing-in ceremony held on Tuesday at Tayo Aderinokun Hall, marking the return of organised student leadership at the institution.
Speaking at the event, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Johnson Agunsoye, described the inauguration as a major milestone in the restoration of student unionism in the university.
He explained that the exercise represents the first phase of a broader process expected to culminate in the emergence of a fully constituted Students’ Union Executive Council and Students’ Parliament in the 2026/2027 academic session.
Agunsoye also announced that the Vice-Chancellor had approved a ₦5 million take-off grant, temporary office space for the union, and the ongoing refurbishment of an 18-seater bus for use by the University of Lagos Students’ Union (ULSU).
He urged the student leaders to uphold the university’s tradition of excellence in learning and character, while prioritising dialogue, unity, and responsible leadership in the discharge of their duties.
In her remarks, Ogunsola commended the newly elected executives for taking up the responsibility of pioneering the return of unionism, noting that the union was suspended in 2016 following violent protests that disrupted activities and led to destruction of property on campus.
She reminded the executives that their leadership role goes beyond representing students and requires commitment to serving the entire university community with discipline and purpose.
Also speaking, the Divisional Police Officer of Sabo Police Station, Chief Superintendent of Police Comfort Alabi, advised the student leaders to promote peace, discipline, and unity on campus while discouraging cultism and other vices.
Responding on behalf of the executives, ULSU President Bolaji Akinpelu described the inauguration as a new beginning and announced that the new leadership would operate under the banner of the “Renaissance Administration.”
The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the Oath of Office by Barrister Risqiat Usman of the university’s Legal Unit, followed by the presentation of the staff of office to the Students’ Union President by the Vice-Chancellor.
