FUOYE SUG Condemns Suspension of UI Students Over Fee Hike Protest, Demands Immediate Reinstatement

Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria — July 19, 2025
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has strongly condemned the suspension of three students from the University of Ibadan over their participation in a protest against a substantial increase in tuition fees.

The suspended students — Olamide Gbadegeshin, Aduwo Ayodele, and Nice Linus, now referred to as the “UI3” — were sanctioned following their involvement in a peaceful demonstration opposing the institution’s fee increment from ₦69,000 to over ₦412,000.

In a statement released on Friday and made available to SaharaReporters, the FUOYE SUG described the disciplinary process as a “shambolic trial” and accused the University of Ibadan administration of using a “kangaroo panel” that allegedly denied the students access to fair legal representation and due process.

The statement, jointly signed by FUOYE SUG President Comrade Adio James, General Secretary Comrade Alao Ayorinde, and Public Relations Officer Comrade Abiola David, called the suspensions “unjust, repressive, and a betrayal of the principles of accessible education and democratic engagement.”

“Their peaceful demonstration against fees rising from ₦69,000 to as high as ₦412,000 was a courageous stand for accessible education, not a crime,” the union stated.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, the FUOYE union reminded stakeholders that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

The SUG pledged solidarity with student advocacy platforms such as the Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attacks (ANSA) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), both of which have also condemned the suspension of the students as politically motivated.

Highlighting broader concerns around the affordability of tertiary education in Nigeria, the statement described the University of Ibadan’s decision as an attempt to silence dissenting voices and discourage student activism.

“By silencing these students, the university undermines the right to education and free expression, betraying its mission of fostering knowledge and justice,” the statement said.

The FUOYE SUG further called for the immediate reinstatement of the suspended students, the reversal of the tuition hike, and the protection of students’ rights to peaceful protest.

The union concluded with a message of support to the affected students:

“To our dear comrades, the UI3: You do not stand alone. Across campuses, we rise with you. Your courage is not just heard — it is felt, it is respected, and it will be remembered.”