UNILAG Tightens Control Over Campus Creativity As Unauthorized Skitmaking Faces Official Ban To Protect Academic Integrity

 

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has taken a decisive step to regulate the growing wave of on-campus content creation by announcing a ban on all unauthorized skitmaking, filmmaking, and video production within its premises. The decision, which has generated widespread discussion among students and online creators, underscores the institution’s determination to preserve its academic decorum and protect its reputation from unapproved or misleading portrayals.

A statement released on Thursday by the Head of Communication, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, revealed that the management had observed an increase in individuals using various parts of the campus, including hostels, lecture halls, and open spaces, for filming without official permission. The university described this as an inappropriate practice that compromises its operational order and image.

The statement emphasized that the campus, while vibrant and rich in creative energy, remains primarily a space for academic pursuit. Therefore, activities that could disrupt studies, misrepresent the institution, or expose it to negative publicity must be properly regulated. According to the university, any student, staff member, or external collaborator intending to shoot videos or create visual content must first obtain clearance from the communication unit before proceeding.

UNILAG’s management noted that the growing popularity of social media and the entertainment industry has inspired many students and visitors to use the university’s serene environment as a backdrop for creative expression. However, the administration argued that this trend has increasingly blurred the line between personal creativity and institutional responsibility. The university’s facilities, it explained, are not public filming locations and cannot be treated as such without official authorization.

The institution highlighted that specific guidelines are already in place to manage any form of video production on campus. These procedures are meant to ensure safety, preserve the dignity of the academic environment, and prevent the spread of content that might misrepresent the university community. The administration further urged compliance from all members of the university and the general public, stating that adherence to these rules is crucial for maintaining order and mutual respect within the academic setting.

Beyond regulation, the university’s communication office expressed its continued support for creativity and responsible innovation. It acknowledged that many of UNILAG’s alumni have achieved remarkable success as skitmakers and online entertainers. Figures such as Muhammed Gilmore, who earned his degree in Chemistry earlier in 2024, and Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie, popularly known as Brain Jotter, who completed his studies eight months later, are shining examples of how talent can flourish responsibly within the boundaries of institutional guidelines.

Observers note that the ban reflects a growing challenge faced by universities across Nigeria, where social media content creation has become an integral part of student life. Campuses are often viewed as visually appealing spaces that lend authenticity and relatability to short videos, interviews, and comedy skits. However, administrators argue that unregulated filming exposes universities to potential security concerns, misinterpretation, and privacy violations involving staff and students who appear unintentionally in such productions.

Some students have expressed mixed feelings about the new directive. While a number of them see it as a necessary step to protect the university’s image, others worry that it could stifle creativity and limit opportunities for young talents who rely on their immediate environment for content ideas. A student from the Faculty of Social Sciences, who preferred not to be named, said the new rule might discourage creators from showcasing student life authentically. He argued that with proper communication, the university could find a middle ground that supports creative freedom while ensuring respect for campus policies.

Despite the concerns, UNILAG insists that its goal is not to suppress artistic expression but to promote a culture of discipline and mutual accountability. The administration encouraged students to follow the proper channels, assuring them that approved requests would be considered fairly and promptly. It also stressed that unauthorized filming would be met with disciplinary measures to ensure compliance.

The university’s firm stance has sparked conversation beyond its campus, as content creation increasingly shapes youth engagement, humor, and even education. Analysts believe the move could influence other Nigerian universities to adopt similar policies, given the surge in on-campus filming nationwide. By setting a clear boundary, UNILAG appears to be reinforcing its identity as both a center of learning and a model of institutional order.

As digital platforms continue to expand their influence on daily life, universities are being challenged to balance openness with control. UNILAG’s directive represents an attempt to draw that balance, reminding students and creators alike that while creativity is welcome, it must operate within the framework of respect, responsibility, and authorization.

Through this measure, the University of Lagos aims to protect its legacy as a premier academic institution while encouraging students to innovate in ways that honor both their talents and the values of the university community. The message from management is clear; creativity thrives best in an environment where rules, order, and respect coexist with freedom of expression.