UNILAG students protest hostel fee hike, reject eviction notice amid rising tensions

Students at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Idi-Araba campus have launched protests against the recent hike in hostel fees, which saw costs jump to ₦80,000 for two semesters and ₦100,000 for a full academic year, up from ₦65,000. The increase, which broke a prior agreement, has hit students from the College of Medicine and Faculty of Pharmacy the hardest.

Chanting slogans like “Change the memo, we no dey go,” students expressed outrage at the management’s decision and demanded a reversal of the new fees. In response, UNILAG authorities issued an eviction order, instructing students to vacate the hostels, further heightening tensions on campus.

Defiant protesters have refused to leave, insisting their demands be met before considering any move. Police were deployed to the scene to manage the situation, which remains tense as students continue to push for a fee reduction and a resolution to their grievances.

A letter signed by Olusegun Akinnagbe, Principal Assistant Secretary of the Student Affairs Unit, directed non-medical graduating and undergraduate students to vacate the hostels unless they apply for an extension due to project defenses, internships, or other valid reasons. Those granted approval to stay will be charged a prorated fee.