Students say they were peacefully protesting the rising cost of education and commercialisation of public universities.
The University of Ibadan has summoned three students, including 400-level History student Aduwo Ayodele, to appear before its Student Disciplinary Committee. According to an internal memo signed by the Deputy Registrar, they are being accused of “insubordination/unruly behaviour” for allegedly obstructing the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023/2024 Students’ Union executives. The disciplinary hearing is scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Student Affairs Division Conference Room. The memo instructed proper attire and warned that failure to attend could lead to further disciplinary action.
The affected students say their actions were part of a peaceful protest against the rising cost of education and the perceived commercialisation of public universities. Aduwo Ayodele explained:
“On May 13, 2024, we staged a peaceful protest holding placards to draw attention to the rising cost of education. Rather than engage with our concerns, security personnel physically assaulted us, handed us over to the Nigerian Army.”
He added that “the right of students to dissent must be protected and not crushed.”