Police arrest two protesters at UNILAG over tuition fee hike
Two individuals, Femi Adeyeye and Philip Olatinwo, were apprehended by the police on Wednesday at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) junction during a demonstration against the rise in tuition fees at the institution.
The police spokesperson in the state, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrests but stated that he did not possess information regarding their identities.
The students are protesting the university’s decision to increase the fees from N26,000 to between N120,750 and N240,250, depending on the course of study and level.
After being detained, the protesters were placed in a police van known as a Black Maria, which was stationed in the vicinity.
Despite their arrest, Mr. Adeyeye and Mr. Olatinwo encouraged the demonstrators to persist and remain calm.
Following their arrest, the officers put them in a police van popularly called Black Maria stationed in the area.
But the arrested protesters, Mr Adeyeye Mr Olatinwo urged the protesters to continue and not panic.
“This is not a time to panic at all. We are here in the van and we are assuring you that this is just the beginning of the struggle,” he said in a video he posted on the X (formerly known as Twitter) platform inside the police van.
The police also fired tear gas at the protesters to disperse them.
Before they began the protest, there was a heavy presence of security operatives including officers of the State Security Service (SSS), the police and the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) at the institution’s main gate.
The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of three protesters who were arrested by the police during a peaceful demonstration against the University of Lagos’ decision to increase fees.
In a statement, the ERC emphasised that the right to protest is protected by the Nigerian constitution and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
The group also referenced a Supreme Court ruling that clarified the issue of whether a police permit is necessary for a protest.
He however urged the police to respect democratic rights and cease their attacks on protesters.
The Education Rights Campaign (ERC), in a statement by its Deputy National Coordinator, Isaac Ogunjimi, called on the commissioner of police to “immediately and unconditionally release the protesters.”
According to the group, three, and not two protesters were arrested by the police. The group named the third person as Ayodele Aduwo.
“The activists on Wednesday 6 September 2023 joined students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in a peaceful protest against the University’s decision to hike fees when a team of gun-wielding policemen swooped on them,” the statement read.
“We demand their immediate release now and a halt to attacks on democratic rights.
“The police should be reminded that protest is a right guaranteed by the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. Also, the Supreme Court pronouncement on the case of All Nigeria Peoples Party & Ors. v. Inspector General of Police (2006) CHR 181 has already settled the controversy over whether or not a police permit is required for a protest.”
The education rights group said the arrest was illegal and a violation of their rights.
“Despite the rejection of the hike by the mass of UNILAG students, many of whom come from poor working class backgrounds and therefore cannot afford the soaring cost of education, the University authorities have continued to insist on the hike,” the group said.
Mr Ogunjimi further said that it is the responsibility of the government to fund education.
“As far as we are concerned, the funding of public education remains the primary duty and responsibility of the government and not poor parents. Considering the current cost of living crisis, many cannot afford the hiked fees,” he said.
“This means several students are on the verge of dropping out unless the university authorities reverse the fees.”
