Medical students at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have reportedly shut down the university’s gates to protest the school’s decision to increase the cut-off marks in order for them to continue their medical training.
According to Sahara Reporters, some protesting students stated that the initial cut-off they were required to meet was a 2.50-grade point (GP). The university administration, however, increased the cut-off to 4.00 GP without giving current students any warning or special considerations.
“We are protesting because all the affected students feel cheated,” one of the protesting students told our correspondent. He added: “How can the university authorities justify increasing the cut-off from 2.50 4.00? It is absolutely unacceptable.” Another protesting medical student stated that a fellow student with a grade point of 3.94 had been notified by the university that he should change his degree to Education Biology. “This kind of action is unjust,” said the student.
The student union leaders had reportedly tried to broker a peaceful resolution of the dispute with UNILAG administrators but the administrators remained unwilling to negotiate in good faith.
“We decided to shut down the gates because the school authorities have shown no interest in a meaningful dialogue with us,” one of the students said.
The students said they could not tell how long their protests would last. One of them declared that it would depend on how the university addresses their legitimate concerns.
Source: Sahara Reporters
