The National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, has opposed recent fee hike at the University of Lagos, UNILAG, while denying any agreement on the increase and condemning it as unjustified.
In a statement on Friday, NANS Senate President Akinteye Afeez Babatunde clarified that student representatives did not consent to the proposed annual fee hike, describing such claims as misleading and an attempt to legitimize financial strain on students and families.
NANS expressed solidarity with UNILAG students, asserting that the rise in tuition and hostel fees will undermine educational access for thousands of Nigerian youths. The association also criticized the university’s advice for students to consider off-campus housing if they find hostel fees unmanageable, calling it “insensitive” given the financial struggles many students already face.
In response to the fee increases, NANS announced plans to convene a National Congress on UNILAG’s campus, bringing students from across Nigeria together to oppose the hikes. The congress also aims to press for the reinstatement of the Students’ Union Government and a fair review of fees.
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NANS warned that if UNILAG proceeds with the hikes, students will take “drastic measures,” potentially leading to a campus shutdown. The student body stressed that escalating educational costs are unsustainable, especially given the limited improvements to campus facilities and services.
The association called on UNILAG management to engage in transparent dialogue centered on students’ welfare and academic success. They reiterated that education is a right, not a privilege, and pledged to advocate for affordable, high-quality education for Nigerian students.
Meanwhile, students of UNILAG began a peaceful protest Friday morning, rallying against the fee hikes. Organized by student leader Femi Adeyeye, the demonstration gained momentum with medical students leading initial protests earlier this week. Adeyeye shared updates on X, urging fellow students not to stay silent about the increases, using the hashtag #FeesMustFall.
Shortly after the protests began, security operatives reportedly arrived, with claims of student harassment and forced statements. Adeyeye raised concerns about the students’ unknown whereabouts, calling for an immediate end to what he called “harassment.”
Credible News.ng
