The Management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has inaugurated the 2026/2027 Executive Council of the University of Lagos Students’ Union (ULSU), the Students’ Union Parliament, Faculty Presidents, Departmental Executives, and Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) representatives.
The inauguration ceremony held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, UNILAG, Akoka, marking the second swearing-in of elected student leaders since the restoration of student unionism by the University Management led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS.
“See Leadership as a Call to Service”
Addressing the newly elected student leaders before their formal inauguration, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, congratulated them on their electoral victory and urged them to regard their mandate as a call to service rather than a privilege.
She commended the outgoing Students’ Union Executive Council, led by Bolaji Akinpelu, for justifying the confidence reposed in them as the first elected student leaders following the restoration of student unionism after its suspension in 2016.
Professor Ogunsola reminded the new executives that they serve as a vital bridge between the University Management and the student community, urging them to anchor their administration on knowledge, character, discipline, and purposeful leadership.
Her words, “Uphold discipline, integrity, accountability, and servant leadership in the discharge of your responsibilities.”
Reaffirming Management’s commitment to supporting student leadership, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged the executives to remain steadfast in integrity, shun violence, embrace dialogue, and view their tenure as an opportunity to develop leadership skills that will prepare them for greater responsibilities beyond the University.
“Embrace Dialogue and Due Process”
Earlier, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Johnson Agunsoye, described the inauguration as another milestone in fulfilling the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to restoring full-fledged democratic student unionism in UNILAG.
Professor Agunsoye commended the students for conducting a peaceful and credible electoral process, noting that the successful elections demonstrated the University’s commitment to providing an environment where students can freely elect their representatives.
He urged the new executives to discharge their responsibilities with sacrifice, accountability, honesty, humility, transparency, and discipline.
The Professor of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering also advised the student leaders to embrace consultation, seek wise counsel, and exhaust internal conflict-resolution mechanisms before involving external parties.
Underscoring the need for the new leaders to reflect the ideals of the University and comply strictly with the Students’ Union Code of Conduct, Professor Agunsoye encouraged them to promote inclusion, mutual respect, unity in diversity, and effective communication throughout their tenure.
He also announced that the University Management had approved the central Students’ Union charges and cautioned the executives against imposing any fees beyond those officially approved.
Also speaking, the Divisional Police Officer of Sabo Police Station, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Kehinde Ishaq, advised the student leaders to uphold the rule of law, reject violence, demonstrate accountability, and maintain constructive engagement while respecting the University’s rules and regulations.
Administration of the Oath of Office
The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the Oath of Office by Barrister Riskiat Usman of the University’s Legal Unit on members of the Students’ Union Executive Council, Students’ Union Parliament, Faculty Presidents, and ICE representatives.
The Vice-Chancellor subsequently presented the newly inaugurated officials with their Certificates of Office.
“A New Era of Partnership”
Responding on behalf of the new leadership, the President of the University of Lagos Students’ Union, Samuel Mayowa Arinola, expressed appreciation to the University Management for restoring the Students’ Union after its proscription in 2016.
He described the inauguration as the beginning of a new era founded on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and constructive partnership between students and the University Management.
Arinola pledged that the new administration would be guided by accountability, transparency, discipline, the rule of law, and the Constitution of the University of Lagos Students’ Union.
He further assured the University community that the Union would prioritise dialogue, consultation, and constructive engagement, stressing that sustainable progress is best achieved through collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the common good.
ULSU Executive Council
| Arinola, Samuel Mayowa | President |
| Dibang, Judith Anyoritieh | General Secretary |
| Robinson, Goodness Aniefiok | Assistant General Secretary |
| Christopher, Benjamin Chukwuemeka | Social Secretary |
| Ajeigbe, Emmanuel Toluwase | Sports Secretary |
| Lawal, Kaosarat Omonike | Health and Environmental Safety Secretary |
| Okpalanedu Chiugo Joy | Gender and Inclusion Secretary |
| Daramola Oluwaditemi Oluwanishola | Welfare Secretary 1 |
| Peter, Samuel Opemipo | Public Relations Officer (PRO) |
| Apata, Olamiposi Abike | Treasurer |
| Majiyagbe, Elizabeth Olamide | Internal Auditor |
Students’ Union Parliament Executive
| Adesina, Abolaji Samuel | Speaker |
| Sampson, Udene Uko | Deputy Speaker |
| Adeoye, Moses Ifeoluwa | Clerk |
| Abdul-Ganiy, Habeebullah Ayomikun | Deputy Clerk |
| Adewuyi, Azeemah Adetomi | Chief Whip |
It would be recalled that the University of Lagos Management reinstated the Students’ Union during the 2025/2026 academic session, marking the return of democratic student representation after nearly a decade. Click: https://unilag.edu.ng/unilag-revives-students-union-after-10-year-hiatus-inaugurates-renaissance-administration/ to read more on the re-instatement.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Ayo Oloyede
