Good News? After Years, 3 VCs… Students Union Nears Comeback In UNILAG

Student unionism at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) may make a return as the authorities of the institution have instituted a 43-man committee to map a framework for the reinstatement of a Students’ Representative Council.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Rahamon Bello, told the committee members at the inaugural ceremony that the event “marks a turning point in students’ unionism in the University of Lagos.” continue..

“We are gathered here to witness the inauguration of the constitution drafting committee, which will provide a framework for a full blown Students’ union in the University,” he said.

According to the VC, staff members in the 43-man committee will guide the students in setting up a model for the new students body.

“The staff members of the committee are mainly to advise and guide you towards achieving your desired model. I recommend that you look through the reports of the various study-tours to have a better and broad view of what is obtainable elsewhere,” he said.

In a recent interview with Daily Independent, the Dean Students Affairs, UNILAG, Professor Olukayode Amund, said the students union was banned after “the SUG set up by the university got hijacked by the nefarious activities of some underground boys who belonged to several cult groups.

“They introduced into the union extreme brigandage that led to the unfortunate event of 2005 which led to the attack of the Vice Chancellors Lodge.”

Student unionism was proscribed 9 years ago, in 2005, under the leadership of former VC Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe.

Since then, UNILAG has had three Vice Chancellors with none effecting the reinstatement of the students union as severally dememaded.