UNILAG Students Hold Second Protest Against Tuition Fee Increase

Once again, students from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have taken to the streets, marking their second protest within a week to express their discontent with the recent tuition fee hike at the institutions, in solidarity in their counterparts from other universities. Chanting slogans, the protesters gathered to emphasize the pressing need for the university authorities to reconsider the fee adjustments. The demonstration saw a notable presence of both the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Students participating in the protest were resolute, vowing to continue their demonstrations until their school fees are reverted to their previous levels. They argued that the fee increases lack empathy and place undue financial burdens on them. In addition to their demands for fee reduction, the students called upon the Federal Government to channel the funds generated from subsidy removal towards investments in education, rather than allowing further fee hikes. UNILAG had previously announced the tuition fee increments for both new and returning undergraduate students in July, citing the prevailing economic conditions as the rationale behind the decision.

AAU suspends academic activities indefinitely

The Management of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo, has announced the indefinite suspension of academic activities with immediate effect. This is contained in a statement issued by the institution’s Head, Corporate Affairs, Otunba Mike Aladenika, and made available to the on Tuesday in Benin. Aladenika said the suspension of activities was announced in a memo signed by the school’s Acting Registrar, Mr Ambrose Odiase. “The suspension of academic activities became necessary following an emergency meeting of the university’s Senate in Ekpoma on Monday to appraise the continued protest by students running into days.  “In order to prevent a total breakdown of law and order as well as the need to guarantee the safety of lives and property in the university community and its environs, Senate was left with no other choice than to direct an immediate suspension of academic activities. “To this effect, all students residing in the hostels on campus are to vacate the halls of residence within the next 24 hours. “This is an indication that no student should be seen in or around the halls of residence of the University by 3.00 pm on Tuesday,” the statement said. Aladenika further said that the 40th Matriculation Ceremony of the university scheduled to be held on Tuesday, had also been put on hold indefinitely. Students of the university have been protesting against an alleged increase in school fees of returning students for about three days, thereby disrupting academic activities. The protest also led to the dissolution of the Students Union Government while the school management had severally denied increase in the tuition fees of returning students.