In what marks a significant return of students’ unionism at the University of Lagos, the Vice-Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, presided over the swearing-in and inauguration of the University’s Students’ Union Executives, Hall Executives, and representatives of the Institute Continuing Education (ICE) programme.
Flagging off the ceremony at Tayo Aderinokun Hall, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Johnson Agunsoye described the event as a major milestone in the resuscitation of student unionism in the University. He noted that the inauguration represents the foundational phase of a broader process leading into the 2026/2027 academic session, when a fully constituted Students’ Union Executive Council and Students’ Parliament are expected to emerge.
While congratulating the newly elected executives, Professor Agunsoye announced the Vice-Chancellor’s approval of a ₦5 million take-off grant, provision of temporary office space, and the ongoing refurbishment of an 18-seater bus for use by the University of Lagos Students’ Union (ULSU).
He urged the student leaders to uphold the University’s long standing tradition of excellence in learning and character, emphasizing leadership anchored on integrity, humility, and responsibility. The DSA further charged them to prioritise dialogue over confrontation, unity over division, and progress over stagnation.
In her address, Prof. Ogunsola commended the student leaders for their willingness to pioneer the return of unionism after its suspension in 2016. Reflecting on past events, she recalled that the proscription of the union followed violent agitations that disrupted peace and led to the destruction of property on campus.
She expressed appreciation to the University Senate for approving the re-activation of student union structures and reminded the executives that their mandate extends beyond representing students to serving the entire University community.
According to her, leadership, though demanding, offers lasting fulfilment when approached with reflection, discipline, and a commitment to purpose-driven service. Her words, “…we want to entrust you with the opportunity to leave behind a better institution than you met it. This calls for reflection. It is not fun being a leader, but it is rewarding, and the joy comes in retrospect…”
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Sabo Police Station, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Comfort Alabi, was also on hand to address the student executives on the importance of responsible leadership. She urged them to see themselves as beacons of hope to their fellow students; promote peace, orderliness, and discipline; as well as shun cultism and other vices capable of jeopardising their academic pursuits.
In his response on behalf of the newly inaugurated executives, ULSU President, Bolaji Akinpelu, described the event as a new beginning. He declared the new ULSU Executives the “Renaissance Administration,” signalling a fresh era of quality and responsive student leadership guided by purpose.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the administration of the Oath of Office by Barrister Risqiat Usman of the University’s Legal Unit.
This was followed by the presentation of the Staff of Office to the ULSU President, Bolaji Akinpelu, by the Vice-Chancellor.
Below is the list of the newly inaugurated executives:
| President (ULSU) | Akinpelu Bolaji |
| Vice-President (ULSU) | Apalomo Sunday |
| General Secretary (ULSU) | Solomon Daniel |
| President (Intensive Continuing Education) | Oreoluwa Abraham |
Hall Chairpersons;
| El-Kanemi | Egbaaibon Christopher |
| Eni-Njoku | Junaid Samuel |
| Fagunwa | Abigael Encharia |
| Femi Gbajabiamila | Egbaaibon Leonard Kayode |
| King Jaja | Yinusa Teslim |
| Professor Saburi Biobaku | Ebunoluwa Basit |
| Madam Kofo Ademola | Augustine-Ojie Emmanuella |
| Madam Tinubu | Okpei Peace |
| Makama Bida | Oseni Oyinkansola |
| Mariere | Ebun Oluwaseun |
| Moremi | Abiola Olamide |
| Sodeinde | Babawale Boluwatife |
| Queen Amina | Erhabor Joanna |
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Ayo Oloyede
