The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council, Lagos State Axis, has strongly criticized the University of Ibadan for suspending three student activists, calling the action “a dangerous assault on democracy.”
The students Aduwo Ayodele, Nice Linus, and Mide Gbadegesin were suspended for four semesters by a disciplinary panel over their involvement in a peaceful protest known as #FeesMustFall.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by the NANS Lagos Public Relations Officer, Ridwan Ajayi, the student body alleged that the suspensions were politically motivated and intended to silence student dissent.
“Their crime? Holding placards with #FeesMustFall a peaceful, symbolic protest during a time of severe economic hardship for students across Nigeria,” the statement said.
NANS Lagos described the suspensions as a “witch-hunt,” labeling them a gross misuse of authority and a violation of due process.
The association also accused the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, of using institutional mechanisms to stifle student voices and suppress activism on campus.
“This is an attack on the Nigerian student movement,” the statement continued. “It’s a clear abuse of power and a breach of both national and international human rights standards, including the right to peaceful protest and free expression.”
Commending the affected students, NANS stated “We salute the courage of Comrades Aduwo, Nice, and Mide. They stood when it was risky to stand. They spoke when silence was safer. Now, they carry the weight of our collective resistance.”
NANS demanded the immediate reversal of the suspension, a formal apology from the university’s leadership, and an end to what it termed the persecution of student activists.
Additionally, the group called for support from other NANS chapters, student bodies, and civil society groups, urging mass protests both online and offline.
The statement concluded with a warning to the UI administration “This decision will not go unchallenged. We will respond with strategy, solidarity, and unwavering courage.”
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