Court Victory Sparks Fresh Debate On Student Rights In Nigerian Universities As CAPPA Hails Decision
In a ruling that could redefine the boundaries of student activism in Nigeria, the Federal High Court in Ibadan has struck down the suspension of three University of Ibadan (UI) student activists, reigniting conversations around freedom of expression on campuses.
The judgment, delivered on Wednesday by Justice N. E. Maha, nullified the rustication of Ayodele Aduwo and Mide Gbadegesin, while also addressing the alleged victimisation of Nice Linus, who had protested against fee hikes during a student gathering in May 2024.
Reacting to the development, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) hailed the judiciary for upholding constitutional rights, describing the ruling as a strong affirmation of students’ freedoms of thought and expression as enshrined in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
CAPPA, in a statement signed by its Media and Communications Officer, Robert Egbe, called on the University of Ibadan to immediately comply with the court’s decision by reinstating the affected students and issuing an unreserved apology.
The organisation further revealed that the students were allegedly assaulted, profiled as criminals, and handed over to security operatives after displaying placards reading “No To Fee Hike” and “#FEESMUSTFALL” during a Students’ Union inauguration.
According to the court, the university authorities did not deny the allegations of mistreatment, a factor that reinforced the ruling in favour of the students.
CAPPA’s Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, described the verdict as a clear warning against the use of authoritarian measures to suppress dissent in academic institutions, stressing that universities must remain spaces for critical thinking and open dialogue.
The group also raised concerns over what it termed a growing pattern of repression of student activism across Nigeria, particularly in response to protests against rising tuition fees.
While commending the courage of the students and the efforts of their legal team, CAPPA urged university administrations nationwide to adopt more inclusive and transparent approaches in decision-making, especially on issues affecting students’ welfare.
The organisation warned that continued underfunding of education has shifted financial burdens onto students, fuelling protests and resistance across campuses.
The case, observers say, may set a precedent for how institutions handle dissent, as calls grow louder for universities to protect, rather than punish, the voices of young Nigerians.
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