The University of Ibadan has insisted that the four‑semester rustication of two students found guilty of “gross misconduct” will stand, despite rising public criticism.
The students – Aduwo Ayodele, a 400‑level History student, and Mide Gbadegesin, a 700‑level postgraduate student – were disciplined by the university’s Central Student Disciplinary Committee after they disrupted the swearing‑in of the 2023/2024 Students’ Union executives on July 14, 2025.
During the ceremony, the two joined others in holding placards with messages like “Fees Must Fall,” protesting the hike in school fees announced in 2024.
“Due Process Was Followed,” UI Says
University spokesperson Mr. Dayo Olajide told newsmen on Monday that the decision was made after due process and remains in effect.
“The university has not come up with anything contrary to the four‑semester rustication. If that is the last you heard from the university, that is it,” Olajide said, adding that UI would only respond to formal appeals and not public statements or social media reactions.
The rustication order, conveyed in a letter signed by Senior Deputy Registrar Akinbola I. A., directs the students to:
• Stay off campus without express permission.
• Write an undertaking to maintain good behavior and avoid meddling in student union matters.
• Undergo professional counselling at the university’s Career Development and Counselling Centre.
The sanction runs from the second semester of the 2024/2025 session and ends after the first semester of the 2026/2027 session.
Students Vow to Fight On
One of the rusticated students, Ayodele Aduwo, said he is considering appealing the decision but has doubts about a fair hearing.
“I am confident I am going to challenge this injustice on all reasonable and legitimate points,” he said, adding that discussions with colleagues are ongoing.
Groups Condemn Rustication
The decision has drawn strong criticism from civil society organisations.
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)described the punishment as “shameful victimisation”, accusing UI of stifling free expression.
“Universities are meant to be sanctuaries of free inquiry. These students’ leadership and bravery should be celebrated, not criminalised,” the group said through its Media and Communications Officer, Robert Egbe.
The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) also condemned the action, calling it “a blatant disregard for students’ rights and basic democratic principles.”
In a statement signed by Ogunjimi Isaac and Adaramoye Lenin, ERC demanded:
• Immediate and unconditional reinstatement of the students.
• Reversal of the increased fees.
• Solidarity from other students, workers, and civil society groups to defend democratic rights on campus.
For now, the university has not shown any sign of softening its stance, while students and advocacy groups say they are prepared to keep up the fight.
