Amnesty International has written to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, demanding the immediate reinstatement of three students suspended over a peaceful protest against a planned hike in tuition fees.
In a letter dated July 14, 2025, the global human rights body expressed serious concern over what it described as “allegations of human rights violations” against the students—Aduwo Ayodele (Department of History), Nice Linus (Faculty of Law), and Mide Gbadegesin (Institute of African Studies).
According to Amnesty, the students submitted a petition detailing their experience during a 2024 peaceful demonstration at the swearing-in ceremony of the Students’ Union executives for the 2023/2024 academic session. The trio had reportedly stood up during the event and silently displayed placards reading #FeesMustFall in protest against the anticipated fee increase.
The students maintain that their protest was non-disruptive, involved no chants or obstruction, and posed no threat to public order. Despite this, they allege they were forcibly removed from the venue by the university’s internal security, physically assaulted, and subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Army.
The university later accused them of “gross misconduct” and subjected them to what Amnesty described as “prolonged, intimidating, and punitive” disciplinary proceedings. The latest hearing, held on July 14, 2025, resulted in their suspension for four semesters.
Amnesty International argued that the students’ actions were well within their constitutionally protected rights to freedom of expression and assembly. The organisation emphasised that the protest did not violate any of the grounds under which such rights could be lawfully restricted—such as threats to national security, public safety, or order.
“The raising of placards against school fee increments is a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression and assembly,” Amnesty stated. “Suspending students for such actions violates their rights and undermines democratic values.”
The organisation called on the university to:
- Immediately reverse the suspension of the three students;
- Ensure they can resume and complete their education without further victimisation;
- Uphold justice, accountability, and respect for human rights on campus.
Amnesty concluded by urging the university to create a more inclusive and rights-respecting academic environment, warning that continued repression of dissenting voices could further erode public trust in academic institutions.
