Despite mounting public criticism, the University of Ibadan has maintained its decision to rusticate two students for four semesters over what it described as “gross misconduct” and “unruly behaviour” during a peaceful protest.
The university’s Central Student Disciplinary Committee, at its meeting held on Monday, July 14, 2025, found Aduwo Ayodele, a 400-level History student, and Mide Gbadegesin, a 700-level postgraduate student, guilty of disrupting the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023/2024 Students’ Union executives.
The two students, alongside Nice Linus, a 400-level Law student, and Adeyeye Oluwafemi, a non-student, had staged a protest with placards bearing the inscription “Fees Must Fall” to oppose the 2024 tuition fee increase.
In a statement to The PUNCH, university spokesperson Mr. Dayo Olajide confirmed that the disciplinary process was properly followed. He clarified that the university would only respond to official communications directly addressed to it—not to public or social media commentary.
“The disciplinary committee has delivered its decision. That stands as the university’s official position. Any other views circulating in public space are not addressed to the institution. Unless we receive a formal appeal through appropriate channels like the Registrar or Vice-Chancellor, the university has nothing new to add,” Olajide said.
The university’s decision was formalised in a letter signed by Senior Deputy Registrar Akinbola I.A., which described the actions of the students as a violation of conduct regulations.
The letter stated that, “Based on available evidence, the committee found you liable and recommended, on compassionate grounds, that you be rusticated for four semesters starting from the second semester of the 2024/2025 session. You are required to write an undertaking to be of good behaviour, avoid involvement in Students’ Union activities, and undergo counselling at the university’s Career Development and Counselling Centre.”
It further warned that presence on campus without authorisation during the rustication period would result in arrest and possible expulsion. The affected students are expected to resume in the second semester of the 2026/2027 academic session.
When contacted, Ayodele Aduwo said he was considering appealing the decision but questioned the fairness of the process. “I’m reviewing the option to appeal, although I have doubts about receiving fair treatment. Being sent home for four semesters simply for holding a cardboard with ‘School Fees Must Fall’ seems unjust. Nonetheless, I’m committed to pursuing all legitimate avenues for justice,” he said.
The decision has attracted sharp condemnation from civil society organisations, alumni, and student rights groups. In a strongly worded statement, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) described the action as “shameful victimisation.”
CAPPA’s Media and Communications Officer, Robert Egbe, said the university’s response violated constitutional rights under Sections 38 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution and amounted to a suppression of freedom of expression.
“Universities should be havens of free inquiry and intellectual engagement, not echo chambers of authoritarianism. The actions of Aduwo, Gbadegesin, and Linus were democratic and principled. By punishing them, the university sends a dangerous signal that conformity is the only path to safety,” the group said.
Similarly, the Education Rights Campaign (ERC) denounced the rustication as “an affront to democracy and student rights.” In a joint statement by Deputy National Coordinator Ogunjimi Isaac and National Mobilisation Officer Adaramoye Lenin, the group called for mass solidarity and immediate reversal of the decision.
“This isn’t just about these students—it’s a broader attack on the right to protest and demand accessible education. We urge students, workers, and civil society to rise in defence of Aduwo and Gbadegesin,” the statement read.
The ERC demanded their unconditional reinstatement, warned against targeting other activists like Nice Linus, and renewed calls for the reversal of the fee hike that sparked the protest.
As tensions rise, student unions and advocacy groups are reportedly mobilising protests and campaigns to pressure the university administration to reverse its decision and respect democratic values on campus.
