The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council, Lagos Axis, has strongly criticised the management of the University of Ibadan (UI) over the suspension of three student activists, calling the action a “dangerous assault on democracy and student rights.”
The affected students — Aduwo Ayodele, Nice Linus, and Mide Gbadegesin — were reportedly rusticated for four semesters after facing a disciplinary panel for participating in a peaceful demonstration under the banner #FeesMustFall, aimed at protesting rising tuition fees and economic hardship.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Ridwan Ajayi, and issued on Monday, NANS Lagos accused the university of targeting the students for their activism, describing the punishment as “a witch-hunt” and a “blatant abuse of power.”
“Their only offence was holding placards and peacefully demanding affordable education,” the statement read. “This act of rustication represents a gross violation of national and international human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
The student body further criticised the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, accusing him of using the university’s disciplinary system as a tool to stifle dissent and punish student leaders.
“This is a calculated attempt to intimidate the student movement,” the statement continued. “We salute the courage of Comrades Aduwo, Nice, and Mide. They stood firm for justice in the face of repression.”
NANS is demanding an immediate reversal of the rustication, a public apology from the university management, and a cessation of what it termed the “persecution of student activists.”
The association also called for nationwide solidarity, urging other NANS chapters, civil society groups, and human rights organisations to stand with the suspended students and prepare for mass protests both online and on campuses across the country.
“Let it be known that this attack will not go unchallenged. We will respond with strategy, unity, and unshakable courage,” NANS Lagos declared.
The University of Ibadan is yet to issue an official response to the growing criticism.
