NANS Criticizes UI for Suspending Student Protesters
NANS Criticizes UI for Suspending Student Protesters
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council, Lagos State Axis, has strongly condemned the University of Ibadan’s decision to rusticate three student activists, calling it “a dangerous attack on democratic principles.”
The affected students—Aduwo Ayodele, Nice Linus, and Mide Gbadegesin—were suspended for four semesters by a disciplinary panel set up by the university, following their involvement in a peaceful protest under the banner #FeesMustFall.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by NANS Lagos State PRO, Ridwan Ajayi, the student body alleged that the sanctions were politically driven and aimed at suppressing dissent within the university community.
“Their so-called offence? Simply holding placards bearing #FeesMustFall—a peaceful and symbolic protest staged at a time when students nationwide are struggling under immense economic pressure,” the statement read.
NANS Lagos described the decision as “a witch-hunt” and “a gross abuse of power and due process.”
It also accused the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, of using university structures to suppress student voices.
The statement further read, “This is an attack on the Nigerian student movement. This is a gross abuse of power and due process and it represents a blatant violation of national and international human rights standards, including the right to free expression and peaceful protest.
“We commend the courage of Comrades Aduwo, Nice, and Mide,” the statement continued. “They stood firm when it was risky to do so. They raised their voices when staying silent would have been easier. For that, they now bear the weight of our shared struggle.”
NANS demanded an immediate reversal of the rustication order, a formal public apology from the University of Ibadan’s management, and an end to what it described as the ongoing persecution of student activists.
The association also called on other NANS chapters, student unions, and civil society allies to unite in solidarity, urging coordinated protests both online and on the streets.
NANS Lagos warned the UI administration that its decision would not go uncontested, vowing to respond “with strategy, unity, and unwavering resolve.”
