Amnesty International has strongly condemned the University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State, for what it describes as the unjust suspension of three students who peacefully protested against a sharp increase in school fees amid Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis.
In a statement issued on Monday, the global human rights organisation expressed deep concern over the suspension of Ayodele Aduwo, Nice Linus, and Mide Gbadegesin, accusing the university of persecuting the students for exercising their right to protest and speak out against the 2024 fee hike.
“For almost a year, these students have faced unfair disciplinary hearings simply for voicing the concerns of many,” Amnesty International said. “The management of the University of Ibadan must end all these unjust processes and immediately reinstate the students.”
The suspended students, who had led or participated in demonstrations decrying what they called an “outrageous” fee increase, were slammed with four-semester suspensions by the institution’s authorities — a move critics say is aimed at silencing dissent.
Amnesty International described the punishment as a violation of fundamental human rights, particularly the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, protected under both Nigerian and international law.
“No one should be punished for decrying a fee hike during Nigeria’s worst economic downturn in a generation,” the organisation stated. “Education is a right, not a privilege, and silencing students through intimidation or exclusion is unacceptable.”
The controversy has reignited national conversations about students’ rights, affordability of tertiary education, and the shrinking space for activism within academic institutions.
Student groups, civil society organisations, and concerned Nigerians have joined the call for justice, urging the university to drop all charges and reinstate the suspended students without delay.
As pressure mounts, the University of Ibadan has yet to issue an official response to the calls for reinstatement. Meanwhile, Amnesty International insists that defending the rights of students to demand fair policies is not only lawful but necessary for sustaining democracy.
“This is not just about three students—it’s about the future of student activism and the right to dissent in Nigeria’s universities,” Amnesty concluded.