The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the University of Ibadan for suspending three student activists—Aduwo Ayodele, Nice Linus, and Mide Gbadegesin—who took part in a peaceful protest against increased tuition fees.
The students were handed a four-semester suspension following disciplinary proceedings initiated by the university. Describing the action as “a dangerous assault on democracy” and “a gross abuse of power and due process,” NANS accused the university management of stifling dissent and violating both national and international human rights standards.
According to NANS, the suspended students’ only offence was carrying placards bearing the slogan #FeesMustFall—a symbolic protest amid widespread economic hardship affecting students nationwide.
The association called for the immediate reversal of the suspension, a public apology from the university authorities, and an end to what it termed the persecution of student activists.
“We commend the courage of Comrades Aduwo, Nice, and Mide. They chose to speak out when silence would have been easier, and they now carry the weight of our shared struggle,” NANS said.
Amnesty International has also criticised the suspensions, labelling the university’s action as unjust and urging respect for the students’ right to peaceful protest. “No one should be punished for speaking out against tuition fee hikes during Nigeria’s most severe economic crisis in a generation,” the human rights group stated.
NANS has pledged to resist the university’s decision “with strategy, solidarity, and unwavering resolve” and has urged other student groups and civil society organisations to join the campaign for justice.
