By: IndyPress News Desk

The Concerned Students’ Movement (CSATF) has condemned the leadership of the University of Ibadan (UI), under Vice-Chancellor Professor Kayode Adebowale, for what it describes as an “anti-intellectual, anti-democratic, and overbearing interference” in the affairs of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union.

The group, via a statement circulated on Whatsapp on Thursday, 6th March 2025, accused the university administration of systematically undermining student democracy by imposing restrictions, silencing dissent, and manipulating union activities.

In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Feranmi Gabriel, CSATF criticized the UI management’s interference as an attempt to erode the independence of the Students’ Union, which should function as a self-regulating body.

“The actions of the University of Ibadan management, as revealed in the unjust treatment of Aduwo Ayodele, Mide Gbadegesin, and Nice Linus, exemplify a gross abuse of power and a blatant disregard for democratic principles. The three students’ peaceful demonstration, an exercise of their fundamental right to protest against the exploitative fee increment, met with brutality, unlawful detention, and unwarranted disciplinary actions is uncalled for. Such repression of student activism undermines the values of justice, fairness, and intellectual freedom that a university should uphold. The failure of the university authorities to proceed on the case since July 2024 further exposes their lack of sound judgement,” the group release reads.

According to the statement, a university that prides itself on academic excellence should encourage open dialogue rather than stifle student expression and activism.

The group warned that continued administrative overreach could foster resentment and resistance among students, further exposing the administration’s aversion to accountability.

CSATF particularly condemned the removal of Nice Linus from the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) by the Electoral Commission Chairman, Mr. T.I. Musa. Linus, who was duly elected by students as a member and the Majority Leader representing Obafemi Awolowo constituency in the 12th SRC Assembly, disqualified without any established case of misconduct by the University’s Students Disciplinary Committee.

CSATF described the University’s action as a constitutional violation and a dangerous precedent for electoral malpractice within the student body.

The group also criticized Mr. Musa’s role in the electoral process, calling his involvement as a university staff member a conflict of interest.

Beyond electoral interference, CSATF also pointed to the disciplinary actions taken against Aduwo Ayodele, Mide Gbadegesin, and Nice Linus following their peaceful protest against a fee increment.

The group condemned the university’s response, alleging that the students faced brutality, unlawful detention, and an unfair disciplinary process that has remained delayed since July 2024.

CSATF asserted that suppressing student activism in this manner contradicts the principles of justice, fairness, and intellectual freedom that the university should uphold.

In response to these developments, CSATF called for the immediate reinstatement of Nice Linus as a duly elected SRC member and Majority Leader.

“The arbitrary removal of Nice Linus from the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), by the Electoral Commission Chairman, Mr. T.I. Musa, after Nice’s election by the students’ populace and as her hall majority leader, represents a constitutional violation. The attempt to retroactively disqualify a duly elected student leader — without any established case of misconduct — sets a dangerous precedent for electoral malpractice and overreach.”

“By disregarding the clear stipulations of the Students’ Union Constitution and acting beyond his jurisdiction, the Chairman of the students’ electoral process, shamefully a staff of the management team, has engaged in an abuse of office that compromises the integrity of student governance. The university’s complicity in this unconstitutional act demonstrates an alarming trend of administrative impunity.”

The group has equally demanded the removal of Mr. Musa Tijani as Deputy Registrar (Students) for his alleged misconduct in overseeing a student electoral process.

CSATF insists that the Students’ Union must be allowed to operate independently, free from administrative control, and that the recent fee increment, described as outrageous and unaffordable, should be reversed.

The group urged the UI Governing Council to intervene and ensure that students’ rights are protected, while emphasizing that peaceful protests must not be met with repression, and that due process must be strictly followed in disciplinary matters.