Police Disperse UNILAG Students’ Tuition Hike Protest with Tear Gas

Chaos erupted on Wednesday as officers of the Nigerian Police Force fired tear gas at students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) who had gathered to protest against an increase in tuition fees.

The students had converged peacefully around the university campus to voice their grievances regarding the tuition hike. However, tensions escalated when police officers, present to monitor the protest, resorted to using tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had issued a warning to the Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday, urging them not to hinder students from exercising their fundamental right to protest, which is universally recognized as a human right.

Giwa Temitope, the National Public Relations Officer of NANS, dismissed the DSS statement made on Monday, where it was alleged that some politicians were mobilising student leaders for violent protests against the Federal Government over socio economic issues. Temitope categorically labelled the DSS statement as propaganda.

Furthermore, Temitope asserted that the protest would proceed as planned, despite the police’s use of tear gas. The students’ determination to address their concerns regarding the tuition hike remained resolute.

As this situation continues to unfold, it underscores the importance of open dialogue and peaceful demonstrations as a means for citizens to express their concerns and grievances. The government and relevant authorities will likely face increasing pressure to address the issues raised by the students and engage in constructive dialogue to find a resolution.

Kiki Garba

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