By Fawaz Balogun 

The Concerned Students Movement (CSM), University of Ibadan, has joined students and staff members of the University of Ibadan (UI) in condemning the persistent felling of trees on campus under the university management led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale.

This was disclosed in a press release co-signed by the Coordinator, Feranmi Gabriel, and the Secretary, Omolaye Emmanuel, on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

According to the statement, CSM condemned what it described as the complicity of stakeholders and the leadership of major unions for failing to speak out against the practice, despite growing global recognition of the importance of environmental conservation and the preservation of green ecosystems.

“As also shown by this particular issue, we fault the culture of silence and high-handedness exhibited by the entire university management whenever members of the university community raise legitimate concerns. The habitual tactic of perpetual silence reeks of arrogance over accountability and is unbecoming of an ivory tower,” the statement read.

The movement further recalled historical events in the university, arguing that the management’s disregard for students’ concerns had historical consequences.

It cited the 1966 students’ revolt at Tedder Hall over concerns about food quality and the 1971 Zik-Cafeteria uprising which led to the death of Kunle Adepeju, among other events in the university’s history.

“The deliberate silence on the need to account for the wanton destruction of green areas on campus will not go without reckoning,” the statement added.

Against this background and amid growing complaints about rising heatwaves, CSM demanded an immediate end to what it described as the “ecological brutality” inflicted on the university’s environment under the current administration.

The movement also called on concerned students and staff members to unite in resisting the felling of trees and the incessant noise from logging activities, which it said had disrupted students’ examination preparations in the halls of residence.

Furthermore, CSM demanded that the university management account for all felled trees and disclose their intended use, particularly in view of budgetary allocations for the procurement of planks for ongoing construction projects.

The statement maintained that the university community deserved transparency and accountability in the management of its natural resources and public funds.

“The University of Ibadan cannot continue to be run like a private plantation site,” it stated.

Urging students to remain vigilant, CSM advised them not to leave the matter solely in the hands of union leaders, whether representing staff or students, whom it accused of retreating into what it described as unproductive diplomacy when confronted with critical issues.

The movement stressed that protecting the campus environment and defending students’ welfare required the active participation of all members of the university community.

“For the students’ community, it is time to move beyond lamentation to proper organising through the highest decision-making organ of the union — CONGRESS!” the statement asserted.