The inauguration not only introduced a fresh set of student executives but also included the induction of Hall Executives and representatives from the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) programme, reflecting a comprehensive restructuring of student representation across the university.
Voices on the Milestone
Prof. Johnson Agunsoye described the development as a critical step in restoring student unionism at UNILAG. He emphasized that the inauguration signals the start of a broader transition process leading into the 2026/2027 academic session, during which a fully constituted Students’ Union Executive Council and Students’ Parliament are expected to take office.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola commended the newly sworn-in executives for accepting the responsibility of rebuilding the union. “We want to entrust you with the opportunity to leave behind a better institution than you met it… It is not fun being a leader, but it is rewarding,” she said. In support of the revived union, she approved a ₦5 million take-off grant, provision of temporary office space, and the refurbishment of an 18-seater bus for union activities.
Also present at the ceremony, Divisional Police Officer of Sabo Police Station, CSP Comfort Alabi, urged student leaders to foster peace, uphold discipline, and reject cultism and other campus vices.
Background: A Decade Without a Union
The UNILAG student union was suspended in 2016 following widespread protests over welfare concerns, including electricity supply and general campus conditions. The unrest escalated into violence and property destruction, prompting university authorities to proscribe the union. For nearly ten years, student affairs were managed administratively, with successive university leadership emphasizing that a formal union would only return under a framework designed to ensure stability and responsible engagement.
New Leadership Across the Campus
The inauguration reinstated key leadership positions within the ULSU, the halls of residence, and ICE. Bolaji Akinpelu was sworn in as President of ULSU, with Apalomo Sunday as Vice-President and Solomon Daniel as General Secretary. Oreoluwa Abraham emerged as President of ICE.
Hall chairpersons were also installed across campus:
- Egbaaibon Christopher (El-Kanemi Hall)
- Junaid Samuel (Eni-Njoku Hall)
- Abigael Encharia (Fagunwa Hall)
- Egbaaibon Leonard Kayode (Femi Gbajabiamila Hall)
- Yinusa Teslim (King Jaja Hall)
- Ebunoluwa Basit (Professor Saburi Biobaku Hall)
- Augustine-Ojie Emmanuella (Madam Kofo Ademola Hall)
- Okpei Peace (Madam Tinubu Hall)
- Oseni Oyinkansola (Makama Bida Hall)
- Ebun Oluwaseun (Mariere Hall)
- Abiola Olamide (Moremi Hall)
- Babawale Boluwatife (Sodeinde Hall)
- Erhabor Joanna (Queen Amina Hall)
The restored student union is expected to play a central role in fostering campus dialogue, promoting student welfare, and providing structured leadership as UNILAG enters a new era of student governance.