Global Rights Condemns Expulsion of University of Ibadan Students for Peaceful Protest
By Gloria Sarauniya Usman
ABUJA, NIGERIA July, 2024 -
Global Rights calls on the management of the University of Ibadan to immediately rescind the expulsion of three students - Olamide Gbadegeshin, Aduwo Ayodele, and Nice Linus - who engaged in a peaceful protest against the sudden hike in tuition fees on May 13, 2024.
The students, along with Olorunfemi Adeyeye, were apprehended by army officers while protesting the fee increase at the inauguration of the Student Union government. While their action may have caused an inconvenience to the administration, extant laws clearly prescribe their right to peaceful protest.
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, association, and movement. Peaceful protests, especially by young people, have often been an effective means of bringing about positive social change in democratic societies worldwide.
We believe that educational institutions like the University of Ibadan should encourage students to exercise their right to peaceful protest, rather than truncating their access to education. The university should seek to allay the concerns of the students and others worried about the ability of Nigerian children and youth to access quality education in the current economic climate.
We urge the University of Ibadan to immediately rescind the expulsion of Olamide Gbadegeshin, Aduwo Ayodele, and Nice Linus; Allow the students to resume their studies without fear of intimidation or reprisals; Encourage robust interactions with students through mechanisms that promote ample engagement;Lead the way for other tertiary educational institutions in Nigeria by protecting students' rights to peaceful protest.
We stand solidly behind dissenting voices who seek social justice through peaceful protests.
The Press Release was signed by
Damilola Decker,Global Rights.
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