KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES AS A LASUITE?

Life comes with its fair share of challenges, from financial struggles to academic concerns. However, many students are unaware of the rights/remedies available to them when dealing with such issues.

Being a student, ignorance is not an option, and it should not be opted for. Just as there are laws, there are privileges to enjoy as being a Lagos State University student.

Whether you need to defer a semester, request a reassessment of your exam scripts, or even withdraw from the university, understanding the proper procedures to follow can save you a lot of stress.

Below, we will outline some important school privileges you should know as a LASUite.

1. Reassessment of Academic Scripts: Can You Challenge Your Grades?

Most students believe that LIDC has the final say and that it’s unquestionable. However, they do not realise that its part of a system, and most times, systems can be checked.

As a LASUite, if you believe your exam script was unfairly graded or a slight error occurred, you have the right to request a reassessment.

This process generally follows these steps:- Submit a formal request to the HOD who shall conduct a discrete investigation into the substance of it and can advise the student to drop the request if he finds no substance in it.

If not satisfied, you can make a request for remarking to the Dean who can make a professional judgement of send to an external examiner for corrections. This process requires payment of a certain sum, and the decision shall be final.

2. Right to Enjoy any Facility of the Union:

This is simple enough—it states that you, as a student, should be able to use and enjoy facilities that belong to the Union. That includes the Students’ Arcade and Union. If you need to have meetings, conferences or programs, the student union has provisions for it. Facilities like the conference hall, union bus and the union offices are available to you as a student.

3. Right to Participate in Meetings and Functions of the Union:

As a matriculated LASUite, you can not be denied the right to participate in activities of the Union, such as academic symposiums and sports activities. This also includes being able to attend any unions meeting as an observer. Every sittings of the Union on campus can be attended as an observer in as much as you keep to the law and order of the sitting.

4. Right to Vote and Be Voted:

In every LASUSU election, anybody is permitted by the LASUSU Constitution to vote and be voted for in Union Election as long as they are matriculated and are not found wanting by the Student Disciplinary Committee. You have the right to partake in politics right from 100lv. This can start from being an Honourable member. Most importantly, you should always come out to exercise your franchise during LASUSU and departmental election as this is the only way to choose your prefered representatives.

5. Right to Information Pertaining to the Union:

You have the right to know and request crucial information about the Union and how it affects you as a student. For example, you have the right to know the intention and the reasons behind the initiative of the Union. If a fee is issued for you to pay, you have the right to question that.

6. Right to be shown a monthly statement of account of the Union:

According to the LASUSU Constitution, this is where the Auditor General comes in, he or she is in charge of ensuring that funds going in and out of the union accounts are well accounted for and is also the sole signatory to the LASUSU central account. To simplify this, it means you have the right to know the account activity of the Union. This includes the expenses and the budget of the Union.

7. Deferring an Academic Session:

Are you eligible? Life happens, and sometimes, you may need to take a temporary break from studies. LASU allows students to defer their studies under specific conditions, such as:

Health Reasons: If a student suffers from a serious illness or medical condition, they may apply for a deferral with supporting medical documents from a recognized hospital. These documents would then be addressed to the Director, LASU Health Services, who would, in turn, confirm the same to the Faculty Board passed onwards for Senate approval.

Financial Difficulties: Students facing financial constraints that make it impossible to continue their studies can apply through the Faculty Board of Studies.

Family Grounds: Unexpected family crises, such as the death of a sponsor, can also serve as valid ground for a deferral. Apart from that, circumstances such as vacation/international travel would constitute valid reasons to apply for a deferral of studies provided that a copy of the student’s International passport amd approved visa is attached to the request.

Compassionate Grounds: This covers situations such as marriage, psychological state of students, or even accommodation problems. The letter of request should be written to the Chairman, Faculty Board of Studies through the HoD/Dean of Faculty. It is important to note that there are two categories of people who can apply; duly matriculated LASUites in 200L and above can apply for a deferral of studies.

These sets are not expected to pay tuition fees for the period deferred. The other category includes those who have just been offered admission, but due to financial reasons or any other acceptable grounds, they would not be able to proceed for the time being.

Note: It is important to note that students who applied but wish to withdraw their application for deferment of studies should write a Letter of Withdrawal through the HOD/Dean to the Chairman of the Faculty Board of Studies.

If, as a student, you feel wronged, the LASUSU-SJC is a critical avenue for seeking redress. It is important to learn how to file a formal complaint, know the relevant policies, and stay persistent.

What is the LASUSU-SJC?

Last month, the LASUSU-SPC made a significant move by appointing the judges and justices of the Students Judicial Council (SJC), ushering in a new era for student politics and governance.

The Judicial Council is one of the three arms of LASUSU tasked with ensuring fairness and justice for all students. It’s a big deal—and with good reason.

It is often regarded as the watchdog of accountability, with the unique responsibility of upholding the rule of law within the three-arm governmental structure we practice. This is a body that stands to protect and safeguard the rights of students in the Lagos State University, LASU.

You can be rest assured to get represented well by the best of counsels.

Are you aware that you can sue your HOC for misappropriation of funds? You can seek justice for the breeches of your rights. Take your power-driven speaker to court and let him/her face the full weight of the law.

If you have a problem with a person, sue him in court! Are you being harassed and bullied by a fellow LASUites? Take charges! If you have a problem with your Landlord, report him to the welfare director and legal actions will be taken.

You can reach them through their mail: Lasustudentsjudicialcouncil35@gmail.com Or contact them through the chief registrar; at

+234 913 286 6880 Or the registrar; at +234 814 337 8187

The amazing thing is that you really don’t have to spend much. Contact any of the Chambers/Firms in the Faculty of Law, and you won’t be disappointed.

How can the SJC help if we don’t speak up? Know your rights, use the system, and don’t be afraid to demand justice when you need it.

As students, the onus lies on us to stay informed, hold our leaders accountable, and actively participate in the governance of our university. Together, we can ensure that justice is not just an ideal but a lived reality on our campus.

You have rights, but you also have responsibilities. Being informed about university policies ensures that you make the best decisions for your academic journey. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to defer, withdraw, or challenge your grades, follow the right procedures and seek guidance from the appropriate offices.

To get oriented and informed about the happenings in your department and faculty, contact your PRO to get more help.

To stay informed about happenings on campus, follow notable Media organizations like LASU Conscience for accurate and factual reports. Join our LASU Conscience Family on WhatsApp at https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VapttSy3gvWY054iVG2f to stay connected.

The time for change is now, and we need to push for it—from both sides. Let us raise the bar.