The University of Lagos on Tuesday inaugurated the reinstated Students’ Union Executive Council, marking the restoration of student unionism a decade after its suspension by the institution’s management.
The university’s Senate had, on April 24, 2016, suspended the Students’ Union following intense protests by students over welfare concerns, including water shortages and electricity supply, which the management said threatened security and academic stability within the institution.
However, in March, the university announced the restoration of the union after the successful conduct of elections to fill key positions.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Head of the Communication Unit, UNILAG, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, presided over the swearing-in ceremony held at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, Akoka.
Also inaugurated were hall executives and representatives of the Institute of Continuing Education programmes.
Ogunsola urged the newly elected executives to regard their positions as a call to service to both students and the wider university community.
Reflecting on past events, she noted that the suspension of the Students’ Union became necessary following violent protests that disrupted academic activities and resulted in damage to university property.
She expressed confidence that the new leadership would uphold the values of discipline, dialogue, and constructive engagement in advancing students’ interests.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of “responsible leadership, describing the inauguration as a significant milestone in the institution’s governance and student engagement framework.”
The ceremony featured the administration of the Oath of Office by a legal practitioner, Risqiat Usman, followed by the presentation of the Staff of Office to the Students’ Union President, Bolaji Akinpelu.
Other Students’ Union executives inaugurated include the Vice-President, Apalomo Sunday; General Secretary, Solomon Daniel; and President of the Institute of Continuing Education, Oreoluwa Abraham.
Those sworn in as hall chairpersons were Egbaaibon Christopher (El-Kanemi Hall), Junaid Samuel (Eni-Njoku Hall), Abigael Encharia (Fagunwa Hall), Egbaaibon Kayode (Femi Gbajabiamila Hall), and Yinusa Teslim (King Jaja Hall).
Other hall chairpersons inaugurated include Ebunoluwa Basit (Prof Saburi Biobaku Hall); Augustine-Ojie Emmanuella (Madam Kofo Ademola Hall); Okpei Peace (Madam Tinubu Hall); Oseni Oyinkansola (Makama Bida Hall); Ebun Oluwaseun (Mariere Hall); Abiola Olamide (Moremi Hall); Babawale Boluwatife (Sodeinde Hall); and Erhabor Joanna (Queen Amina Hall).
The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof Johnson Agunsoye, said the inauguration “signals the commencement of a phased process leading to the full constitution of the Students’ Union Executive Council and Students’ Parliament in the 2026/2027 academic session.”
Agunsoye added that, as part of the university’s support for the newly inaugurated body, the Vice-Chancellor approved a ₦5m take-off grant, provision of temporary office space, and the refurbishment of an 18-seater bus for union activities.
The Divisional Police Officer of Sabo Police Station, Comfort Alabi, charged the student leaders to promote peace, uphold discipline, and reject all forms of social vices.
Speaking on behalf of the executives, the Students’ Union President, Bolaji Akinpelu, described the development as “a new beginning,” pledging renewed, purposeful, and responsive leadership for the student community.