Also cited in the statement was the case of Nice Linus, a 400-level Law student and elected member of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), who was reportedly removed from her position without due process.
The Campaign for the Defence of Students’ Rights (CDSR) has issued a statement condemning the University of Ibadan (UI) authorities for the suspension of two student activists, describing the action as a violation of fundamental rights and a betrayal of the university’s founding ideals.
In a press release signed by its National Coordinator, Oyelumade Oluwakemi, and National Secretary, Aiyedogbon Temitope, the group criticised the UI management, led by Vice Chancellor Professor Kayode Adebowale, for what it called a “shambolic trial” and a “grave injustice.”
The suspended students — Aduwo Ayodele, a 400-level student of History, and Mide Gbadegesin, a 700-level student — were sanctioned after appearing before the Central Students Disciplinary Committee (SDC), which CDSR said denied them access to legal counsel and operated in a manner that rendered it “judge, jury, and executioner.”
“It is a mockery of everything the university stands for,” CDSR stated, accusing the administration of trampling on student rights in contradiction of the university’s own motto, For Knowledge and Sound Judgement.
The students had participated in protests against what the group described as an “astronomic fee hike” imposed by the university in the face of worsening economic hardship.
Their suspension, according to CDSR, is a deliberate act of repression intended to silence voices of dissent.
Also cited in the statement was the case of Nice Linus, a 400-level Law student and elected member of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), who was reportedly removed from her position without due process.
CDSR described her removal as a “disgraceful and autocratic action” that undermines democratic participation within the university.
“The university is sending a clear message that it will go to any length to punish dissent,” the statement read. “Rather than foster critical thinking and democratic engagement, the university is criminalising students for expressing their rights.”
CDSR vowed that the decision would not go unchallenged, declaring that the move has only deepened its resolve to expose what it calls “the gross abuse of power by university officials.”
“History shall vindicate the just. This act of tyranny shall not be left unanswered,” the group warned.
Earlier reports had revealed that the students, including activist Femi Adeyeye, were arrested and detained by the university’s security team.
The report stated that Adeyeye, Nice Linus, Aduwo Ayodele, and Mide Gbadegbesin were dragged and beaten by the security team for protesting against the tuition fee hike before being transferred to Operation Burst in the state.
The three students were later summoned to appear before the school’s central student disciplinary committee for allegedly obstructing the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023/2024 Students’ Union executives—an action the students insist was nothing more than a peaceful protest being punished to silence student activism.
According to an internal memorandum signed by S. O. Oyewumi, Deputy Registrar (Students), Aduwo and two other students were invited to appear before the panel on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Senate Chamber of the University.
The memo stated that the case involved allegations of misconduct bordering on “insubordination/unruly behaviour” for obstructing the inauguration event.