A Federal High Court in Ibadan has directed the University of Ibadan to reinstate three students who were suspended following protests against an increase in tuition fees.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Nkeonye Maha on Wednesday, nullified the disciplinary actions taken against Aduwo Ayodele, Mide Gbadegesin, and Nice Linus, describing the process that led to their suspension as flawed.
The students had been penalised after participating in demonstrations triggered by a fee increment approved by the university’s governing council.
The protest, which reportedly began late at night, followed the circulation of a directive urging students to complete payment of revised charges ahead of academic activities.
Challenging their suspension in court, the affected students argued that their fundamental rights were violated, particularly their right to fair hearing.
They maintained that they were denied the opportunity to present witnesses and video evidence during proceedings before the institution’s disciplinary panels.
Delivering judgment, Justice Maha held that the university’s actions breached constitutional provisions on fair hearing.
“I hereby set aside the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and order the reinstatement of the suspended students,” the judge ruled.
The court found that the disciplinary process failed to meet the requirements of natural justice, noting that the students were not given adequate opportunity to defend themselves.
Reacting to the judgment, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) commended the court for upholding students’ rights.
In a statement, CAPPA described the ruling as a strong affirmation of constitutional freedoms, including expression and peaceful assembly.
“The judgment clearly reinforces that students have the right to express dissent without fear of repression,” the organisation stated, while urging the university to comply fully with the court’s directive.
CAPPA also called on the institution to issue a formal apology to the affected students, describing their treatment as unjust and unacceptable.
The case has drawn attention to broader concerns about students’ rights and disciplinary procedures within Nigerian universities, particularly in situations involving protests and dissent.
