UI declares 4-Semester Rustication of Students over gross misconduct despite public outcry – Reports

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The University of Ibadan has maintained that the four-semester rustication of two students, Aduwo Ayodele and Mide Gbadegesin, over “gross misconduct” remains in force despite public criticism. The students were found guilty of disrupting the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023/2024 Students’ Union executives by displaying placards reading “Fees Must Fall” to protest the university’s fee hike.

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The university’s Spokesperson, Mr. Dayo Olajide, stated that the disciplinary committee followed due process in arriving at its decision. “The Student Disciplinary Committee has taken its stance, which is already in the public domain. Whatever you have heard from them (the affected students) is in the public domain. I don’t think it was addressed to the university,” Olajide said.

The university’s decision has been met with criticism from advocacy groups and alumni, who argue that the punishment is excessive and violates the students’ rights to freedom of expression. The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) described the university’s action as “shameful victimisation” and demanded the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of the rusticated students.

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One of the rusticated students, Ayodele Aduwo, said he is considering appealing the decision. “I am still reviewing the option to appeal the university’s verdict, though I have my doubts about a fair judgment considering that the university management took a decision to compassionately send me home for four semesters for holding a cardboard bearing ‘School Fees Must Fall,'” Aduwo said.

The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) also condemned the university’s action, describing it as a “blatant disregard for students’ rights and basic democratic principles.” The group demanded the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of the rusticated students and called for a halt to the attacks on democratic rights in the University of Ibadan.

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