Protests Loom as National Student Association Challenges UNILAG’s Unilateral Fee Increase

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has demanded that the University of Lagos, UNILAG, reverse the recent increase in school fees. UNILAG raised fees for undergraduate students on July 20, 2023, after a meeting with the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, UNILAG branch, and management staff.

In a letter to the Vice Chancellor of the institution, NANS expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, stating it was not made in good faith and without consulting the official student representatives. They argue that the fee increment unfairly burdens students and their parents, especially in a country with a significant number of poor people and high unemployment rates.

NANS firmly calls for an immediate reversal of the introduced levies and insists that any future fee adjustments must involve student consultation. They reject the proposed palliatives and plan to hold a congress of UNILAG students on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, to discuss issues affecting Nigerian students’ welfare.

Additionally, they offer to meet and discuss the increased fees with university authorities during their visit to the institution. NANS assures the university management of maintaining a peaceful and intellectual approach in their actions.