The recent hike in the fee payable by students of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, may lead to a confrontation between the students and the management of the institution, as the students on Wednesday were expected to embark on a protest over the issue.

The students are planning to kick against the hike in fee announced by the management recently, which saw an average UNILAG student being asked to pay over N190,000 as against the previous regime of a little over N19,000.

On Wednesday morning there was heavy presence of security operatives at the main gate of the University,  where students were scheduled to protest over the hike in tuition fees.

Men of the Department of State Services (DSS), Police and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) were on the ground to disrupt the planned protest, as student were not allowed to gain entry into the campus, with some students hanging around the gate.

To ward off the protest and prevent any breakdown of law and order, the management of the institution, through the Office of the Dean of Students Affairs, DSA, had issued a statement advising the students to be wary of being used by people who”do not mean well” for the university.

In the notice put up by the office of the DSA, the university said, “The management of the University of Lagos notes with concern  the call for protest on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, over the review of obligatory charges by the university being planned by those who do not mean well for University of Lagos.

“We want to reiterate that the university is not against lawful and peaceful protests by students or any other law abiding citizens or group of people.

“However, the management of University of Lagos will not be deterred to take the necessary legitimate steps to protect the lives and property of the institution by  those masquerading as defender of students’ rights and interest in a bid to cause civil unrest.

“In light of the foregoing, we would like to advise our students as follows: That planned protest could easily be hijacked by unscrupulous elements, looking for opportunities to cause civil unrest and unleash terror on law-abiding citizens or those who want to score cheap political points.

“While the university would not allow convergence of any group of people at its campus and environs, a protest of this nature could be hijacked by miscreants, and may lead to  looting and physical damage of the University property with its attendant consequences.

“The protest could lead to the closure of the university and further elongate your stay/year in the university.

“In conjunction with our various security agencies events are being monitored as they unfold, and decisive actions would be taken to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all staff and bonafide residents on campus.

“Do channel all grievances through the Dean, Student Affairs, who is officially empowered to interact with students.

“Do not allow yourself to be used as an instrument of destruction to your university or country" the satement added.