The University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State, has suspended a final-year History student and student activist, Aduwo Ayodele, for participating in a peaceful protest against the recent increase in tuition fees. The suspension, which spans four academic semesters, also bars him from engaging in any Students’ Union-related activities.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Aduwo is additionally mandated to undergo a series of counselling sessions, according to a university memo signed by S. O. Oyewumi, the Deputy Registrar (Students Affairs).
The protest that triggered this disciplinary action occurred on May 13, 2024, during a Students’ Union event, where Aduwo and several other students voiced their opposition to the fee hike. Their peaceful demonstration, however, was met with force. They were apprehended by the institution’s security team, with reports of physical assault and detention before they were handed over to Operation Burst, a state-backed security outfit.
Among those arrested were student activist Femi Adeyeye, Nice Linus, and Mide Gbadegbesin, who, alongside Aduwo, faced alleged intimidation and continued harassment by the university authorities even after their release.
All four students were later summoned before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee on July 2, 2024, to defend themselves against accusations of “misconduct, insubordination, and unruly behaviour” for allegedly obstructing the inauguration ceremony of the 2023/2024 Students’ Union executives—an event they say was peacefully interrupted to draw attention to their demands.
Despite public outcry and condemnation from rights groups and fellow students, the University proceeded with the suspension, prompting concerns over growing repression of student activism and freedom of expression on Nigerian campuses.
The latest development was confirmed in an internal memo inviting Aduwo and two others to appear before the Senate Disciplinary Panel on Monday, July 14, 2025, for final deliberations on the case.
