Student leadership comes with more than a title or electoral victory. It comes with the responsibility to represent others, resolve disagreements and make decisions that affect the wider student community.
This was the message from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as the institution inaugurated its new student leaders for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The inauguration, held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, Akoka, brought together the newly elected Executive Council of the University of Lagos Students’ Union (ULSU), Students’ Union Parliament, Faculty Presidents, Departmental Executives and Institute of Continuing Education representatives.
It marked the second swearing-in of elected student leaders since the University restored student unionism, which had been suspended in 2016.
Addressing the new leaders, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, congratulated them on their election and reminded them that their positions should be viewed as a call to service rather than a privilege.
She commended the outgoing Students’ Union Executive Council, led by Bolaji Akinpelu, for successfully serving as the first elected student leadership following the restoration of student unionism.
Ogunsola described the new executives as an important link between the University Management and students.
She urged them to base their administration on knowledge, character, discipline and purposeful leadership while upholding integrity, accountability and servant leadership.
The Vice-Chancellor also encouraged the leaders to reject violence and embrace dialogue and due process when addressing disagreements.
She said their tenure should also provide an opportunity to develop leadership skills that could prepare them for greater responsibilities beyond the university.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Johnson Agunsoye, described the inauguration as another step towards strengthening democratic student unionism at UNILAG.
He commended the students for conducting a peaceful and credible electoral process and urged the new leaders to lead with sacrifice, honesty, humility, transparency and discipline.
Agunsoye advised them to consult widely, seek wise counsel and make use of the University’s internal conflict-resolution mechanisms before involving external parties.
He also urged the leaders to promote inclusion, mutual respect, unity in diversity and effective communication throughout their tenure.
The Dean announced that the University Management had approved the central Students’ Union charges and warned the executives against imposing additional fees that had not been officially approved.
The Divisional Police Officer of Sabo Police Station, Chief Superintendent of Police Kehinde Ishaq, also urged the student leaders to respect the rule of law, reject violence and maintain constructive engagement while adhering to the University’s regulations.
The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the Oath of Office by Barrister Riskiat Usman of the University’s Legal Unit to members of the various student leadership bodies.
The Vice-Chancellor subsequently presented the newly inaugurated officials with their Certificates of Office.
Responding on behalf of the new leadership, the ULSU President, Samuel Mayowa Arinola, appreciated the University Management for restoring student unionism after its suspension in 2016.
He described the inauguration as the beginning of a new era built on mutual respect, shared responsibility and constructive partnership between students and management.
Arinola pledged that his administration would uphold accountability, transparency, discipline, the rule of law and the Constitution of the University of Lagos Students’ Uni…
UNILAG Swears In New Student Leaders, Urges Them to Lead Through Service
Student leadership comes with more than a title or electoral victory. It comes with the responsibility to represent others, resolve disagreements and make decisions that affect the wider student community.
This was the message from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as the institution inaugurated its new student leaders for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The inauguration, held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, Akoka, brought together the newly elected Executive Council of the University of Lagos Students’ Union (ULSU), Students’ Union Parliament, Faculty Presidents, Departmental Executives and Institute of Continuing Education representatives.
It marked the second swearing-in of elected student leaders since the University restored student unionism, which had been suspended in 2016.
Addressing the new leaders, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, congratulated them on their election and reminded them that their positions should be viewed as a call to service rather than a privilege.
She commended the outgoing Students’ Union Executive Council, led by Bolaji Akinpelu, for successfully serving as the first elected student leadership following the restoration of student unionism.
Ogunsola described the new executives as an important link between the University Management and students.
She urged them to base their administration on knowledge, character, discipline and purposeful leadership while upholding integrity, accountability and servant leadership.
The Vice-Chancellor also encouraged the leaders to reject violence and embrace dialogue and due process when addressing disagreements.
She said their tenure should also provide an opportunity to develop leadership skills that could prepare them for greater responsibilities beyond the university.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Johnson Agunsoye, described the inauguration as another step towards strengthening democratic student unionism at UNILAG.
He commended the students for conducting a peaceful and credible electoral process and urged the new leaders to lead with sacrifice, honesty, humility, transparency and discipline.
Agunsoye advised them to consult widely, seek wise counsel and make use of the University’s internal conflict-resolution mechanisms before involving external parties.
He also urged the leaders to promote inclusion, mutual respect, unity in diversity and effective communication throughout their tenure.
The Dean announced that the University Management had approved the central Students’ Union charges and warned the executives against imposing additional fees that had not been officially approved.
The Divisional Police Officer of Sabo Police Station, Chief Superintendent of Police Kehinde Ishaq, also urged the student leaders to respect the rule of law, reject violence and maintain constructive engagement while adhering to the University’s regulations.
The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the Oath of Office by Barrister Riskiat Usman of the University’s Legal Unit to members of the various student leadership bodies.
The Vice-Chancellor subsequently presented the newly inaugurated officials with their Certificates of Office.
Responding on behalf of the new leadership, the ULSU President, Samuel Mayowa Arinola, appreciated the University Management for restoring student unionism after its suspension in 2016.
He described the inauguration as the beginning of a new era built on mutual respect, shared responsibility and constructive partnership between students and management.
Arinola pledged that his administration would uphold accountability, transparency, discipline, the rule of law and the Constitution of the University of Lagos Students’ Union.
He also promised that the union would prioritise dialogue, consultation and constructive engagement, stressing that sustainable progress depends on collaboration, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the common good.
With the new leaders now officially in office, their ability to turn these promises into meaningful representation will be one of the key measures of their tenure.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.