The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone (Zone D), has condemned the disciplinary actions taken by the University of Ibadan against three students involved in a peaceful protest over a recent fee hike.
In a press statement signed by the Zone D Coordinator, Comrade Owolewa Taiwo, the student body expressed concern over reports that Olamide Gbadegeshin, Aduwo Ayodele, and Nice Linus are facing possible expulsion for participating in what it described as a peaceful and legitimate protest.
“Peaceful protest is a legitimate form of civic engagement. It is not and must never be treated as an act of rebellion or criminality,” the statement read.
NANS Zone D acknowledged the university’s authority to enforce discipline but emphasized that such actions must be guided by fairness, dialogue, and respect for constitutional rights. The student group stressed that the use of expulsion as a punitive measure could worsen the already fragile relationship between students and the university administration.
The leadership of NANS Southwest issued a four-point appeal to the university management:
- Immediate reversal of the proposed expulsion of the three affected students.
- Clarification of the university’s official stance within seven working days, for the sake of transparency.
- Creation of a dialogue platform where grievances can be addressed respectfully and constructively.
- An invitation to a roundtable discussion, signaling the willingness of NANS Zone D to engage collaboratively with the institution’s leadership.
“Our aim is not confrontation but collaboration. We remain committed to defending the rights of students while promoting peaceful coexistence within our campuses,” the statement added.
NANS Zone D also reiterated that higher institutions like the University of Ibadan should be “academic and ethical compasses” that promote free expression, critical thinking, and civic responsibility, not suppress dissent through punitive actions.
The statement was jointly signed by Comr. Oluwole Olutunde A., General Secretary, and Comr. Kuku Isaiah Eromidayo, Public Relations Officer, and broadcasted by the NANS Zone D Media Team.
As of press time, the University of Ibadan has not released an official response to the statement.
