University of Ibadan Suspends Student Activist Over Peaceful Protest

The University of Ibadan (UI) has come under fire for suspending a student activist, Aduwo Ayodele, for leading a peaceful protest against tuition fee hikes.

Aduwo, a 400-level History student, was suspended for four semesters after holding a placard that read “No to Fee Hike” during a Students’ Union inauguration on May 13, 2024. Two other students, Nice Linus, a 400-level Law student, and Mide Gbadegesin, a postgraduate student, were also sanctioned.

The university’s disciplinary committee claimed the protest constituted misconduct, but several rights groups have condemned the action as unjust and a violation of student rights.

Organizations like Amnesty International, CDSR (Campaign for the Defence of Students’ Rights), and CAPPA (Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa) have strongly criticized the decision, demanding the immediate reinstatement of the students. According to these groups, the protest was peaceful and constitutionally protected.

CAPPA described the suspension as “shameful victimisation,” especially at a time when students are grappling with increased tuition fees that reportedly rose from around ₦69,000 to over ₦412,000.

Amnesty International wrote a formal petition to UI’s Vice Chancellor, urging the institution to uphold democratic values and student rights. The Students’ Union of FUOYE (Federal University Oye-Ekiti) also expressed support, calling the suspension a threat to student activism.

Aduwo and his co-activists are now banned from participating in Students’ Union activities and are required to attend counselling sessions.

This case has sparked wider debate about the suppression of free speech in Nigerian universities and the rising cost of education. Many see it as part of a pattern where student voices are being silenced for speaking out.