Four student activists at the University of Ibadan (UI) are facing possible expulsion for protesting against an exorbitant fee increase from N20,000 to N400,000. The university’s management has issued formal queries to Aduwo Ayedele, a second-year History student, and Olamide Ghadegesin Iyanuoluwa, a seventh-year student in the Institute of African Studies. Other students involved include Nice Linus and Adeyeye Oluwafemi, who the authorities have described as an unknown individual.
The students were given 48 hours to respond to the allegations after receiving the letters, which cited their involvement in disrupting a Student Union swearing-in ceremony on May 15, 2024. The letter, dated May 24, 2024, and titled “Allegation of Gross Misconduct,” was signed by Deputy Registrar (Students) Mr. T.I. Musa.
According to the letter, the students carried placards with messages against the fee hike, an act deemed as “Unruly Behaviour” in front of the Vice Chancellor and other university officials. The letter warned that failing to respond within the given time frame or providing false information would be considered misconduct, potentially leading to their suspension.
Despite this, the students have vowed to continue their protest, asserting their right to oppose what they view as unfair treatment of underprivileged Nigerian students. They declared, “The struggle has just begun. The Management should be ready for serious mass actions!”
