UNILAG Students Protest Hostel Fee Increase, Reject Eviction Notice from Authorities
Students at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have protested against a significant increase in hostel fees, which have risen to ₦80,000 for two semesters and ₦100,000 for a full academic year, up from ₦65,000.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Students at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), located on the Idi-Araba campus, have taken to the streets in protest against a substantial increase in hostel fees. This demonstration primarily involves students from the College of Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy, who are most affected by the recent decision.
According to reports from SaharaReporters, the hike in fees has raised the cost to ₦80,000 for two semesters and ₦100,000 for an entire academic year, up from the previously agreed fee of ₦65,000 from the last session. In response to this significant increase, students have chanted slogans such as “Change the memo, we no dey go,” expressing their discontent and calling for a reversal of the fee hike.
The situation escalated when UNILAG authorities issued an eviction order for students to vacate their hostel accommodations. Despite this order, the defiant protesters have remained on campus, insisting that their demands be met before they consider leaving.
In an effort to manage the protests, police officers have been deployed to the site. However, tensions are running high as students continue to urge the university administration to reconsider the proposed fees and address their concerns.
A letter signed by Olusegun Akinnagbe, the Principal Assistant Secretary of the Students Affairs Unit, has directed students to vacate the hostels, even if they have already paid their fees for the year. The notice states, “Notice of Vacation of the Hostel to Non-Medical Graduating & Undergraduate Students of the College of Medicine and Faculty of Pharmacy.”
The letter further details that any student wishing to remain in the hostel due to project defenses, industrial attachments, or other valid reasons must apply in writing through their Head of Department to the Provost. It emphasizes the necessity of specifying the desired length of stay, with applications required to reach the Students Affairs Office by Monday, 28th October 2024.
Akinnagbe added that students granted approval to stay would incur a prorated fee for their extended stay. The unfolding events at UNILAG have captured significant attention, as students rally for their rights in the face of rising educational costs.
