A legal challenge is emerging against the University of Lagos (UNILAG) regarding a controversial plan to send students to Russia. Chief Adekunle Funmilayo, a lawyer, has threatened to sue the university unless it halts its decision to require 17 second-year Russian language students to spend a year in Russia as part of their degree program.
In a formal complaint, Funmilayo expressed serious concerns about the safety of the students, citing the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. He emphasized that traveling to Russia under these circumstances poses significant risks not only to the students but also to their families and sponsors. Funmilayo stated, “The ongoing war in Russia is a source of trepidation and concern to the students and their parents. It is not advisable to travel to Russia in its current state of war.”
The university admitted the students for a bachelor’s degree in Russian language for the 2021/2022 academic year, but the recent mandate for a compulsory year abroad has sparked outrage. Funmilayo claims that students are being threatened with withdrawal from the program if they do not comply with this requirement. He argued that such pressure, coupled with the psychological impact of possibly facing expulsion, is unfair and burdensome.
The lawyer highlighted the profound economic challenges currently facing Nigeria, asserting that the university’s decision did not consider the financial difficulties involved in traveling to Russia. He estimated that the total cost for each student could exceed 20 million naira, a significant amount during a time of economic hardship. “Why must the university subject these innocent and poor Nigerians to such hardship just to obtain a degree in Russian Language?” he questioned.
Furthermore, Funmilayo pointed out that students were not informed early on that a year in Russia would be mandatory, which raises ethical concerns about the university’s transparency. He suggested that even if such a requirement were deemed necessary, it should not be rigidly enforced given the current geopolitical climate and Nigeria’s economic situation.
In a bid to seek resolution, Funmilayo has called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the matter. He urged the president to persuade UNILAG officials to reconsider their stance and allow the students the option to switch to other courses or complete their degrees without traveling to Russia.
In his petition to the president and various officials, including the National Assembly and the National Universities Commission, Funmilayo emphasized the need for dignity in the students’ pursuit of higher education. He demanded action within a week, warning that he would proceed with legal action if the issue is not addressed promptly.
This situation has highlighted broader concerns about the obligations of educational institutions to consider the welfare of their students, particularly during conflicts or crises. The call for President Tinubu’s intervention reflects the growing public sentiment regarding student safety and educational policies in Nigeria.
As the deadline for the university’s response approaches, the fate of the 17 students hangs in the balance, with their future academic paths potentially at risk should the university maintain its current requirements. The outcome of this legal challenge may set a significant precedent for how universities handle similar situations in the future.
