The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has expressed strong disapproval over the suspension of three University of Ibadan (UI) students — Olamide Gbadegeshin, Aduwo Ayodele, and Nice Linus — for participating in a protest against a recent and sharp increase in tuition fees.
Popularly dubbed the “UI3,” the trio had peacefully protested what many observers have described as an outrageous increment in school charges — rising from ₦69,000 to more than ₦412,000. The protest drew widespread criticism from student activists, advocacy groups, and civil society organisations who accused the university management of being out of touch with the economic reality of most Nigerian families.
In a press statement co-signed by FUOYE SUG President Comrade Adio James, General Secretary Comrade Alao Ayorinde, and Public Relations Officer Comrade Abiola David, and made available to Chronicles Reporters, the union categorised the suspension as “unjust,” “oppressive,” and a betrayal of the ideals of inclusive education and participatory democracy.
The FUOYE student body, referring to their leader playfully as “our very own bus driver, Ogbeni Adio,” declared full support for the nationwide #FeesMustFall campaign and allied student movements such as the Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attacks (ANSA) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who have all condemned the disciplinary actions as retaliatory and unjust.
FUOYE SUG further described the process that led to the suspension as a “mockery of justice,” alleging that the students were subjected to what they called a kangaroo disciplinary panel — one that denied them access to adequate legal representation or any semblance of fair hearing.
Part of the statement read: “The Federal University Oye-Ekiti Students’ Union Government (FUOYESUG), led by our very own bus driver, Ogbeni Adio, unequivocally condemns the unfair suspension of Olamide Gbadegeshin, Aduwo Ayodele, and Nice Linus — the UI3 — for daring to challenge the UI administration’s astronomical fee hike.
“The peaceful protest they led — resisting a hike from ₦69,000 to ₦412,000 — was a bold and necessary step for the sake of equal educational access. Their action should be celebrated, not punished. As Nelson Mandela rightly noted, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’”
The union added that the silencing of student voices is not only an assault on democratic ideals but a negation of the university’s core mission. “By attempting to stifle these students,” the statement said, “the institution abandons its role as a haven for critical thought and social justice.”
They called the disciplinary hearing “a sham that lacked openness, fairness, and legal support,” and noted how the ordeal reflects a wider problem in Nigeria’s educational system. “As Malala Yousafzai reminds us: ‘We realise the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.’”
FUOYE SUG warned that students should not be pushed to the edge through anti-poor policies. “The UI3 protest speaks to the broader issue of education affordability in Nigeria, which continues to force students into desperate situations. We cannot sit back and watch as their rights are trampled,” the statement added.
They also pledged to intensify mobilisation efforts and work alongside other concerned groups until justice is achieved. “We urge the University of Ibadan to immediately reinstate the UI3, reverse the fee increase, and protect students’ right to protest. As Kofi Annan once said, ‘Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress.’ These are values the university should defend, not suppress.”
In closing, the statement offered words of solidarity to the suspended students: “To our dear comrades — the UI3 — you are not alone. All across Nigeria’s campuses, your stand echoes. Your bravery has not only been noticed; it has been embraced. We stand with you in unity, in resistance, and in purpose.”
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