The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has ordered the University of Ibadan (UI) to reinstate three students suspended over their involvement in a protest against an increase in tuition fees.
Delivering the judgment on Wednesday, Justice Nkeonye Maha held that the university’s disciplinary process violated the students’ right to fair hearing and subsequently set aside the sanctions imposed on them.
The affected students are Aduwo Ayodele, Mide Gbadegesin and Nice Linus.
The students were suspended on 14 July 2025 after participating in a protest against a fee hike approved by the university’s governing council.
According to court records, the protest was triggered by a circular issued by the council’s secretary, G.O. Saliu, announcing a revised schedule of levies for newly admitted and returning undergraduate students for the 2023/2024 academic session.
The circular directed students who had not completed payment and registration to do so on or before 4 September 2024, ahead of the first semester examinations.
The applicants, in their suit, argued that their suspension amounted to a breach of their fundamental rights and asked the court to nullify the decision of the university’s disciplinary committees.
They further contended that they were denied fair hearing as they were not allowed to call witnesses or tender video evidence during the disciplinary proceedings, contrary to Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
They also challenged the decision of the Central Student Disciplinary Committee, which rusticated them for four semesters and imposed additional sanctions, including compulsory undertakings of good behaviour and counselling.
Among other reliefs, the students sought reinstatement to full academic status, the right to attend lectures and sit examinations, and an order restraining further disciplinary action over the protest.
They also demanded damages for alleged violations of their constitutional rights.
Delivering judgment, Justice Maha upheld the applicants’ arguments and ruled that the university’s disciplinary process was flawed.
“I hereby set aside the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and order the reinstatement of the suspended students,” the judge held.
Reacting to the ruling, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) commended the court for what it described as a defence of students’ rights and academic freedom.
The organisation urged the university to comply with the judgment without delay, reinstate the students, and apologise for the sanctions imposed on them.
CAPPA also said the ruling reinforces constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and association.
Discover more from Rootedscope Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
