The University of Ibadan has maintained its decision to suspend two of its students, Aduwo Ayodele and Mide Gbadegesin, for four semesters over what it termed “gross misconduct,” despite widespread criticism from civil society groups, students, and the public. The sanction stems from their involvement in a protest during a Students’ Union event last year.
The students were found guilty of disrupting the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023/2024 Students’ Union executives by displaying placards with messages such as “Fees Must Fall,” in protest against the university’s fee increment introduced in 2024.
According to the university, the protest was not only a breach of conduct but also a disruption of an official university event. The Central Student Disciplinary Committee (CSDC), after its sitting on July 14, 2025, ruled on the matter, leading to the rustication of the two students for two academic sessions.
Due Process Followed, Says University
Reacting to media inquiries, University spokesperson Mr. Dayo Olajide stated that the disciplinary committee's decision was based on due process and verifiable evidence. He emphasized that the university would only respond to formal appeals and not public reactions.
“Whatever you have heard from them is in the public domain. If addressed officially, the university will respond. As it stands, there’s been no directive to overturn the decision,” Olajide told The PUNCH.
A letter signed by Senior Deputy Registrar Akinbola I. A. formally conveyed the decision, explaining that the university had considered “compassionate grounds” in opting for rustication rather than outright expulsion. The sanctioned students are required to undergo counselling and submit a written undertaking to refrain from interfering in Students’ Union affairs going forward.
Students Face Conditions for Return
According to the university, the suspension takes effect from the second semester of the 2024/2025 academic session and will last until the end of the first semester of 2026/2027. The students can resume their academic programmes in the second semester of the 2026/2027 session.
Additionally, the university warned that if either student is found on campus during the suspension period without prior approval, they risk further disciplinary actions, including possible expulsion and referral to law enforcement.
Affected Students Vow to Appeal
Speaking on the university's decision, Aduwo Ayodele expressed skepticism about the possibility of a fair hearing if he proceeds with an appeal. However, he affirmed his resolve to challenge what he described as an injustice.
“They claimed I was punished compassionately for holding a cardboard that read ‘School Fees Must Fall’. I intend to explore every legitimate avenue to seek redress,” Aduwo said.
He added that he would be consulting with fellow students and stakeholders before determining the next course of action.
Rights Groups Condemn UI’s Action
The university’s disciplinary measures have drawn sharp rebuke from advocacy groups, particularly the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and the Education Rights Campaign (ERC).
CAPPA, in a statement by its Media and Communications Officer, Robert Egbe, criticised the sanctions as an authoritarian response to peaceful protest. The group argued that the action infringed upon the students’ constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression under Sections 38 and 39 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
“Their actions embodied the highest ideals of democratic citizenship. By punishing them, the university is sending a chilling message that ‘zombieism’ is the price of staying safe,” CAPPA said.
ERC Calls for Immediate Reinstatement
Echoing similar concerns, the ERC described the rustication as a “blatant disregard for democratic principles and students’ rights.” In a joint statement signed by Deputy National Coordinator Ogunjimi Isaac and Mobilisation Officer Adaramoye Lenin, the group called for solidarity among students, workers, and civil society actors.
“This is not just an attack on Aduwo and Gbadegesin, but on all Nigerian students who seek access to quality education in a just society,” the statement read.
The ERC further demanded the reversal of the fee hike that sparked the protest and warned the university against taking disciplinary actions against Nice Linus, another student involved in the protest who has not yet been sanctioned.
A Brewing Campus Crisis
As the controversy continues to unfold, the situation at the University of Ibadan is emerging as a flashpoint in the broader national conversation about rising tuition fees, student activism, and university governance. Advocacy groups are warning that punitive responses to peaceful protests may deter civic participation in tertiary institutions, thereby stifling student voices in critical policy matters.
With the university holding its ground and activists rallying for justice, all eyes are now on how the institution handles the appeals process—if one is filed—and whether meaningful dialogue can be fostered in an increasingly polarised campus environment.