The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has openly rejected the University of Lagos’ (UNILAG) recent decision to increase student fees, expressing frustration over claims that students agreed to the hike.
The student association made it clear that, contrary to the university’s statements, there was no consent from student representatives regarding these higher costs.
This disagreement follows a recent meeting between UNILAG officials and student representatives to discuss the fee changes.
In a statement shared on Friday by NANS Senate President, Senator Akinteye Afeez Babatunde, NANS declared that the university’s suggestion of student approval was misleading.
They described it as an attempt to justify a financial burden on students and their families. The student group believes this increase could hinder educational access for thousands of young Nigerians, especially those who already struggle to afford tuition and accommodation costs.
NANS strongly opposes the recent hikes in both tuition and hostel fees at UNILAG. The organization argues that raising fees under the guise of financial necessity should not come at the expense of students, particularly without noticeable improvements in educational facilities or services.
They criticized the university’s response to complaints about hostel fees, where students were advised to find off-campus housing if the on-campus costs were too high. NANS views this as insensitive, emphasizing the financial difficulties that many students face.
In response, NANS has announced plans to hold a National Congress on UNILAG’s campus. This congress aims to bring students together from across Nigeria to stand in solidarity against the fee increases.
NANS states that this movement will persist until the university reinstates the Students’ Union Government (SUG) and initiates a genuine process for fee review.
NANS highlighted their goal of keeping education affordable and accessible. The group has also warned that, should the university go forward with these fee hikes, they are prepared to take serious action, including a possible shutdown of the institution.
They argue that the increasing cost of education in Nigeria has become unsustainable, particularly as students see few improvements in campus infrastructure or services.
The association called on UNILAG’s management to open a transparent dialogue that genuinely considers students’ welfare and academic needs. Failure to do so, NANS cautioned, will likely lead to united opposition from the student community.
