Global Rights Cautions University Against Punishing Protesting Students
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
A non-governmental organization, Global Rights, has asked the University of Ibadan (UI) to urgently rescind its planned expulsion of three students involved in a peaceful protest against sudden hike in tuition fee.
The protest, which was in response to a fee increase announced by the university’s management took place on May 13, 2024, during the inauguration of the school’s Student’s Union government.
The students, Olamide Gbadegeshin, Aduwo Ayodele, Nice Linus, and Olorunfemi Adeyeye, had been detained by army officers during the demonstration.
A statement signed by Damilola Decker, for Global Rights on Thursday, July 4, 2024, emphasised that the students were exercising their civic rights as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The organization opined that while the protest may have caused some inconvenience, the students’ right to peaceful protest is protected by law.
Global Rights maintained that peaceful protests by young people have been a catalyst for positive social change in democratic societies worldwide.
It is against this backdrop that the organisation urged the university to reconsider its decision, warning that expelling the students would set a negative precedent and hinder the development of civic actors crucial for Nigeria’s democratic growth.
The foundation expressed its solidarity with the students and demanded that they be allowed to resume their studies without fear of intimidation or harassment.
