The University of Ibadan Students’ Union (UISU), on Tuesday, July 23, 2025, has released its first official statement ten days after the four-semester suspension of two students, Ayodele Aduwo (400-Level, History) and Mide Gbadegesin (700-Level, Institute of African Studies), over allegations tied to the May 13th, 2024 #FeesMustFall Protest.
The Union described the case as a test of student freedom, calling for a review of the university’s decision. The statement said the verdict “has now become emblematic of broader questions and concerns surrounding student liberty, freedom of expression, university democracy, and institutional justice.”
While the Union stopped short of endorsing the students’ methods, it maintained that protest is not a crime. “Peaceful protest is a civic virtue enshrined in our Constitution,” it said. “We must scrutinize methods, but we must never criminalize dissent.”
The SU posited that it had not been silent but had chosen to act behind the scenes. “From the moment this matter emerged, we engaged all relevant parties persistently and purposefully,” it said, noting its decision to pursue “quiet diplomacy over public dramatics.”
The Union argued that its efforts were hindered by the affected students’ approach. “Despite multiple invitations for cooperation with the Union, the affected students… did not embrace engagement in a way that would have strengthened our hand all through the struggle.”
Still, the Union says it has resumed work towards a possible review of the judgement. According to the release, steps are being taken to engage alumni, sister unions, and civil liberty groups to push for justice. “We resumed radical but realistic ways of exploring options towards enforcing a review of the verdict.”
This statement, coming ten days after a verdict criticised already by NANS, FUOYE SUG and Amnesty International, is the first from the University of Ibadan Students’ Union Executive Council on this matter. A Students’ Representative Council Emergency Sitting is scheduled for 5 pm this evening, Thursday, July 24th.
