The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has reinstated its Students’ Union Government (SUG) after a nine-year suspension, electing new leaders for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The election, coordinated by the Directorate of Student Affairs under Professor Johnson Agunsoye, took place on Friday at the Common Room of Moremi Hall on campus. It marked the first step in the transition process toward full restoration of the union.

Bolaji Akinpelu of the Faculty of Arts was elected SUG President with nine votes, while Daniel Solomon of the Faculty of Computing and Informatics became General Secretary, also securing nine votes. The officers were selected from among current faculty presidents in line with the guidelines established for the transition.

Agunsoye said the exercise fulfilled a promise by Vice-Chancellor Folasade Ogunsola to facilitate the return of the student union.

“The restoration of the union is aimed at strengthening student representation and leadership development within the institution. It provides a platform for students to express their views, prepares them for leadership responsibilities, and encourages solution-driven leadership,” he said.

The move comes nearly nine years after the university suspended the SUG in April 2016, following student protests and unrest that disrupted academic activities and threatened campus peace. At the time, some student leaders were rusticated, sparking criticism from student groups and the National Association of Nigerian Students, who accused the university of suppressing students’ voices.

In 2024, the Vice-Chancellor assured stakeholders that efforts were underway to reinstate the SUG, recognising its role in fostering a vibrant academic environment and promoting student welfare.

The election of the new officers is seen as a key milestone in rebuilding student representation at UNILAG.