UniLag update

ERC condemns dissolution of Unilag SUG

By Amaka Abayomi THE Education Rights Campaign, ERC, has condemned the decision of the Senate of the University of Lagos to dissolve the executive and legislative arms of the University of Lagos Students’ Union, ULSU, for leading students’ protests against poor welfare conditions and high cost of goods and services on campus. Describing the decision as draconian and despotic, National Coordinator, ERC, Mr. Hassan Soweto, said the decision is an assault on the freedom of association and other democratic rights. His words: “That the University of Lagos is dissolving ULSU less than two years after it was restored following over one decade of proscription is a sign that intolerance has continued to rule the hearts and minds of members of the varsity management. “The ERC hereby demands the immediate restoration of Students Union activities and a halt to every other attack on the democratic rights of students. We also condemn the decision to make all students

and their parents sign undertaking and indemnity forms which are meant to frighten students from ever daring to fight for their rights. “On the undertaking form, there is what is called a ‘re-absorption oath’ which students must sign and get notarized as preconditions for admittance into halls of residence and examination venues. Through the Parents indemnity form, parents and guardians are to be held liable for whatever supposed misdemeanor is committed by their wards. We demand an immediate reversal of these draconian measures. “All the varsity is doing is simply to manufacture all kinds of quasi-legal measures to keep students enslaved and unable to defend themselves against its anti-poor policies. Such draconian clampdown on freedom of expression was the hallmark of military despotism in Nigeria. They have failed before and will fail again.” Rather than clamping down on students’ union, the ERC called on the management to address the legitimate demands of the students just as commencement of examinations has been fixed for the 9th of May, 2016. “Up till now, questions raised by students during the protests as to the whereabouts of the additional two diesel-powered generators remain unanswered. Instead, the varsity said on its website that it could only ‘endeavor to provide electricity in the various halls of residence between 7.00 pm and 7.00 am daily.