Three students of the University of Ibadan have reportedly been rusticated for four semesters following their silent protest against rising tuition fees, a disciplinary move that has sparked outrage from human rights groups, student activists and civil society voices who accuse the institution of cracking down on dissent under the guise of misconduct.
A group of students at the University of Ibadan (UI) has alleged ongoing victimisation by the institution’s management following their peaceful protest against rising tuition fees.
The matter was brought to public attention via a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by user @UncleAyo, who shared a detailed testimony from one of the affected students, Mide Gbadegesin, a postgraduate student of the Institute of African Studies.
According to Gbadegesin, he and two other students, Ayodele Aduwo and Nice Linus, were rusticated for four semesters after participating in a symbolic protest during the inauguration of the UI Students’ Union President. Holding placards bearing the hashtag #FeesMustFall, the students said they stood silently without chanting or causing any disruption, aiming only to raise awareness about the escalating cost of education.
“We were careful not to include inciting or defamatory language,” Gbadegesin stated. “We wrote about how education is a social service and should not be commodified beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.”
Background of the Protest
The protest, which the students described as peaceful and symbolic, stemmed from concerns over what they termed “exorbitant and unjustifiable” increments in school fees. They cited instances where students in non-technical departments were charged laboratory and studio fees, and where recurring charges—such as ID card fees—were levied yearly despite only one ID being issued throughout a student’s stay.
Gbadegesin explained that students had tried to engage the new Students’ Union leadership, whom they accused of being passive and complicit with management policies. “We were hoping to awaken the student leadership to their responsibility,” he said.
Arrest and Interrogation by Security Forces
Following their action, the three students were reportedly forcefully removed by campus security operatives and later arrested by members of Operation Burst, a joint security task force. They were taken to Agodi, Ibadan, under what they allege were false pretences—claims of cult-related violence.
“At the station, even the officers were surprised,” Gbadegesin recounted. “They expected cultists wielding weapons but instead met three unarmed students. One officer even apologised for the misunderstanding.”
Despite being treated respectfully by the security forces, the students said their ordeal with the university was only just beginning.
Disciplinary Actions and Allegations of Bias
Upon returning to campus, the trio faced a series of disciplinary panels. Gbadegesin and Aduwo were eventually rusticated for what the university termed “gross misconduct and unruly behaviour.” They described the disciplinary process as prejudiced and predetermined.
“The panels asked leading, closed-ended questions. We were not allowed to elaborate or defend ourselves properly,” said Gbadegesin. “It became clear that our fate was sealed long before the proceedings began.”
Gbadegesin also claimed the students were subjected to ongoing surveillance by both campus security and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), with occasional messages from the agency further heightening tensions.
A Broader Appeal for Justice and Academic Freedom
The students, who operate under a student-led movement called *Concerned Students Against Tuition Fee Hike, warned that the targeting of dissenting voices at UI is part of a wider clampdown on academic freedom across Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Gbadegesin called on the public to rise in defence of the group now dubbed the “UI3,” stating: “This is no longer just about us. It’s about preserving the space for critical thought and peaceful dissent in our universities. This is a call to defend freedom of expression, student rights and the future of education in Nigeria.”
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and SERAP, have reportedly condemned the arrests, while several media outlets have spotlighted the case.
As of press time, the University of Ibadan management had yet to respond to requests for official comment.
