NANS slams UI over suspension of student protesters

The National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Council, Lagos State Axis, has condemned the University of Ibadan management for the recent rustication of three student activists, describing the action as “a dangerous assault on democracy.”

The students; Aduwo Ayodele, Nice Linus, and Mide Gbadegesin, were reportedly suspended for four semesters following a disciplinary panel constituted by the university over their participation in a peaceful protest tagged #FeesMustFall.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the NANS Lagos PRO, Ridwan Ajayi, the student body alleged that the disciplinary measures were politically motivated and targeted at silencing dissent on campus.

“Their crime? Holding placards with #FeesMustFall, a peaceful, symbolic act of protest at a time when students across Nigeria are crushed under the weight of unbearable economic hardship,” the statement read.

NANS Lagos described the decision as “a witch-hunt” and “a gross abuse of power and due process.”

It also accused the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, of using university structures to suppress student voices.

The statement further read, “This is an attack on the Nigerian student movement. This is a gross abuse of power and due process and it represents a blatant violation of national and international human rights standards, including the right to free expression and peaceful protest.

We salute the bravery of Comrades Aduwo, Nice, and Mide. They stood when it was dangerous to stand. They spoke when silence would have been easier. And for that, they carry the burden of our collective resistance.”

The association demanded an immediate reversal of the rustication order, a public apology from the university’s management, and a halt to what it termed “the persecution of student activists.”

NANS Lagos also called for solidarity from other NANS chapters, student organisations, and civil society allies, urging mass protests both online and offline.

It warned the UI administration that the decision would not go unchallenged, vowing to respond “with strategy, solidarity, and unshakable courage.”