The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has introduced a sweeping ban on the unauthorised use of its grounds—including hostels, lecture halls and other facilities—by skit-makers, filmmakers and content creators.
The directive, issued by the university’s Communication Unit, marks a clear shift in how Nigeria’s social-media age is being regulated in traditional academic spaces.
Ban Driven by Safety, Reputation and Academic Integrity
UNILAG management says the decision arises from mounting concerns about the increasing use of its premises for filming of skits, films, vox pop videos and other cinematographic content without official permission.
In its official notice, the university stressed that the rules exist to “ensure safety, decorum, and integrity of our academic and residential spaces, as well as protect the image and reputation of the University.”
Requests to shoot videos, films or skits on the UNILAG campus—including by students, staff or external collaborators—must now be submitted for approval via the Communication Unit at Senate House, 7th Floor.
What’s Changing?
– No more casual filming on campus grounds without formal approval. UNILAG explicitly mentions hostels, lecture halls, open spaces and other facilities as off-limits unless authorised.
– The university will enforce its existing procedures: content creators must submit their proposal, secure clearance and abide by institutional guidelines.
– The directive underscores that creativity is valued—but only when aligned with university policy. “The University encourages creativity and responsible expression; however, such activities must align with established institutional guidelines.”
Reactions
The move by UNILAG reflects a broader tension between burgeoning digital-content culture in Nigeria and the more regimented environment of higher-education institutions.
– For skit-makers and social media content creators, the regulation means one less “ready-made” campus backdrop and an added administrative hurdle.
– For the university, the benefit is clearer control over how its image and facilities are used—and potentially fewer disruptions to academic and residential life.
– Some students and creative-arts participants may view the ban as overly restrictive. As one student quoted in a coverage of the ban put it: “The university should regulate, not ban.”
What’s Next?
Moving forward, any individual or group intending to shoot video content on UNILAG’s premises must:
1. Submit a formal request to the Communication Unit.
2. Await official approval before filming begins.
3. Ensure that the content and filming activity respects campus safety, privacy, image and academic purpose.
Non-compliance may result in the halting of the shoot, removal of the group by campus security, or other disciplinary measures.
Conclusion
UNILAG’s directive marks a significant moment in how Nigerian universities are responding to the rise of informal and social-media-driven content creation.
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By drawing a line between creative freedom and institutional regulation, the university is asserting that its spaces must be used in ways that preserve academic decorum, protect students’ welfare and maintain its public reputation.
Whether this will stifle creativity or bring about a more structured partnership between institutions and content creators remains to be seen.
