The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has announced that no skit, short film, or video content can be shot within its premises — including lecture halls and hostels — without official approval from the school’s Communication Unit.
The directive, issued on October 22, 2025, aims to curb what the university describes as the “increasing unauthorised use” of its facilities for skit-making and other cinematographic activities.
The university’s Head of Communication, Mrs. Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, in an official statement, warned that all forms of filming on campus must now go through a formal approval process.
“The attention of the University has been drawn to the increasing use of the University premises, including hostels and other facilities, for shooting of films/videos (skits, vox pop etc) and cinematographic activities without appropriate authorisation,” the notice read.
She emphasised that approval requests should be submitted in writing to the Communication Unit at the 7th Floor, Senate House, before any content production takes place.
According to UNILAG, the measure seeks to preserve academic decorum, protect student privacy, and safeguard the institution’s image amid the growing trend of on-campus content creation.
The university explained that a surge in unauthorised filming had been observed recently, with both students and external creators using classrooms, dormitories, and recreational areas as sets without permission.
Officials noted that such activities often expose the university to reputational risks, including:
Misrepresentation of the institution in online videos;
Invasion of students’ privacy; and
Unauthorised commercial use of school property.
While the university acknowledged the importance of creativity and media expression, it maintained that all creative activities must align with institutional values and security protocols.
The policy has sparked divided opinions across the campus. Some students criticised it as stifling creativity, arguing that the university should support, not restrict, young content creators.
“UNILAG should regulate, not ban. Many of us use our surroundings to practice what we study,” said a student from the Creative Arts Department.
Others, however, applauded the move, noting that unapproved filming had become disruptive and, at times, embarrassing to the university community.
Under the new rule, no individual or group—including students, staff, or visiting filmmakers—will be allowed to shoot videos or skits on campus without first obtaining official clearance.
Requests must include details of the project, filming locations, and the nature of the content to ensure compliance with UNILAG’s Communications and Information Dissemination Policy.
Those who flout the regulation risk disciplinary action or denial of future access to university facilities for production purposes.
In today’s social-media-driven environment, campuses have increasingly become hotspots for viral skits and online videos. UNILAG’s decision marks one of the most formalised attempts by a Nigerian university to set boundaries for content creation within academic spaces.
Whether this approach will inspire other institutions to follow suit—or draw backlash from the country’s booming creator community—remains to be seen.
Still, UNILAG insists that its goal is not to silence expression but to ensure “responsible creativity” that upholds the institution’s standards.
“We encourage innovation,” the university’s communication office reiterated, “but it must be done responsibly and with proper authorisation.”
