On Wednesday, a chaotic scene unfolded as officers of the Nigerian Police Force discharged tear gas in response to students from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) who had gathered to protest against a tuition fee increase.

Initially, the protest seemed peaceful, with students rallying around the school to voice their concerns. However, tensions escalated when police officers, who were present to monitor the students, fired shots.

The day before, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had warned the Department of State Services (DSS), cautioning against obstructing students from exercising their universally recognized right to protest. NANS argued that the DSS's statement on Monday, suggesting that some politicians were inciting student leaders to violent protests against the Federal Government on socio-economic issues, was mere propaganda. Giwa Temitope, the National Public Relations Officer of the union, confidently asserted that the protest would proceed as planned.