By By Muminat Ajide
Lagos State University (LASU) woke up to a protest today as students gathered to oppose newly introduced fees, causing widespread discontent across the campus.
The protest as gathered by Blackbox Nigeria was as a result of LASU’s decision to implement a N10,000 Computer-Based Test (CBT) fee, alongside charges for forensic and counseling services. Students felt these fees were unfair and protested against what they perceived as financial burden.
During the demonstration, students condemned the fees as extortion, carrying placards with messages such as “Say No To 10k CBT Fee,” “Say No To Extortion,” and “CBT Go Whine Us.” Dolapo Tobun, the LASU student union leader, and other union executives led the protest. Mr Tobun said that the union was not informed about the fee.
The management has now bowed to pressure, Following discussions with student representatives, Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello announced the immediate withdrawal of the fees.
“Greatest Lasuites, the Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, following a meeting with students of the university, on Monday, July 8, 2024 has directed that the decision by the institution on the recently introduced CBT, Counselling, and Forensic charges, be withdrawn with immediate effect,” the statement read.
In 2014, students of LASUstaged a protest demanding the full reopening of the university and the reversal of increased tuition fees.
They marched peacefully to the Lagos State House of Assembly, criticizing the administration’s handling of the fee hike and demanding democratic management of the institution.
The protest originated from grievances over perceived high-handedness by the Vice-Chancellor and escalated following alleged police intervention on campus. Students accused the Assembly of bias and procedural errors in handling the crisis, urging legislative action to address their concerns and restore normalcy to LASU.
Also in 2023, the students closed both school gates in protest against soldiers who had allegedly tortured some students the previous week. The protest was sparked after soldiers reportedly assaulted the Student Union Government President and others on election day, when community members were prevented from entering campus until students had voted. The students protested to denounce the assault and demanded justice for those affected by the soldiers’ actions.
