UI Sanctions Students for Protesting Fee Hike

The University of Ibadan in Oyo State, Nigeria, has begun disciplinary actions against students who protested a recent hike in school fees. The students are accused of gross misconduct for disrupting a swearing-in ceremony on May 13, 2024, with placards critical of the fee increase.

May 28, 2024 - 10:57

UI Sanctions Students for Protesting Fee Hike

The management of the University of Ibadan has initiated disciplinary actions against students who protested against the recent hike in school fees. The students face accusations of gross misconduct for their actions during an official university event.

On May 24, 2024, the Dean of Student Affairs, I.A. Abiona, issued a formal query to one of the students involved, which was subsequently circulated on social media platform X. The university's complaint centers on a protest that took place on May 13, 2024, during the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected Student Union executives. The students, identified as Olamide Gbadegesin Iyanuoluwa, Nice Linus, and Adeyeye Oluwafemi (referred to as an unknown person in the query), along with another student, are accused of disrupting the event and displaying placards with critical inscriptions regarding the fee increase.

The query, which demands a response within 48 hours, accuses the students of "gross misconduct" and "unruly behaviour" in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor and other university officials. Failure to respond could result in suspension or further disciplinary action.

SEE MORE: UI Students Chosen for Prestigious U7+ Student Challenge in Cote D’Ivoire

Activist Adeyeye Oluwafemi criticized the university's response, stating, “This nonsense is expected because our university system is run by autocrats. It was just a peaceful protest in a hall. Very quiet until they brought security officers, bundled us out, beat us, brought in heavily armed soldiers, and drove us to Agodi where they held us for four hours. Instead of addressing the issues protesters raised, they went for the messenger. But we will resist it.”

Public reaction to the university’s move has been intense. One X user, @musediqramon, condemned the university's actions, posting a copy of the query and declaring, "The UI management has gone rogue again. Some courageous students raised placards demanding that the demonic fee hike should be reversed. They were beaten, harassed, degraded, and later arrested. Now, the management has summoned them with a view to expel them. We will resist.”

The situation at the University of Ibadan highlights growing tensions between students and university management amid economic hardship in Nigeria. Students and activists continue to call for a reversal of the fee hike and demand that the university address their concerns without resorting to punitive measures.