UNILAG Students Action Committee Resolves to Challenge Fee Hike – Demands Immediate Reversal and Meeting with Management

The University of Lagos Students Action Committee held its first congress yesterday at the University of Lagos, to discuss the recent fee hike imposed by the university management. Students from various faculties gathered to express their anger and dissatisfaction with the continuous financial exploitation they have been subjected to, especially after last year’s 500% fee hike that has yielded zero improvements in learning conditions.

During the congress, students unanimously condemned the recent 170% fee hike on utility and other charges, describing it as criminal and an insult to the entire student body. They highlighted the worsening state of facilities and academic resources, stressing that the management’s actions show utter disregard for the welfare of students.

After a thorough discussion, the following resolutions and demands were adopted:

1. Adoption of the Name: Students Action Committee of UNILAG: The students have formally adopted the name “Students Action Committee of UNILAG” to represent their collective struggle against unjust fee hikes and other anti-student policies.
2. Formal Request for a Meeting with the Management: A formal letter will be sent to the Vice Chancellor through the DSA, requesting a physical meeting to review the recent anti-student fee hikes. The committee seeks an open dialogue with the management to discuss the unacceptable financial burden placed on students.
3. Laboratory Charges for Language Students: Students noted that since their first year, they have been paying for laboratory services they never had access to. Last year, the fee was ₦39,500, and this year it has been hiked to ₦50,000 without any improvement in access. The committee demands a review of this laboratory fee, particularly for language students, as they continue to pay for services they do not receive.
4. On Utility Charges: It is outrageous for students to bear the burden of a 170% hike in utility charges, just one year after the introduction of a ₦15,000 utility fee. The committee demands an immediate reversal of the utility fee to the previous rate. They also insist that the companies and industries that profit from campus operations should shoulder the electricity bills, not the students.
5. On ID Cards: For years, students have been charged annually for ID cards, yet many have not received new cards after their initial issue. The committee demands that payment for ID cards be limited to first-year students only, as one ID card is used until graduation.
6. On Accreditation Fees: The committee demands the removal of annual accreditation fees for returning students. Since students are not undergoing re-accreditation every year, this charge is unnecessary and should be eliminated for staylites.
7. On Double Payment of Departmental Dues: The practice of double payment of departmental dues is unacceptable. Students should not be forced to pay for the same service twice during their academic registration process.
8. Expungement of ULSU Dues and Immediate Reinstatement of ULSU: The committee demands the immediate removal of ULSU dues from student fees until the student union is fully reinstated. They also demand the unconditional reinstatement of the University of Lagos Students Union (ULSU), as this is the only way to put an end to the continuous exploitation of students by the management.

The Students Action Committee of UNILAG is calling on all students to remain vigilant and united in this struggle. We will not allow this unending daylight robbery to continue. Our voices must be heard, and our demands met this time.

Signed,

Secretariat, Students Action Committee of UNILAG