The Congress, which was scheduled to deliberate on pressing issues including a recent over 100% hike in school fees, was suspended on what the ERC describes as “flimsy and undemocratic” grounds.

The University of Ibadan chapter of the Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has strongly criticised the recent decision by the Covenant Odedele-led Students’ Union (SU) leadership to unilaterally suspend the Students’ Congress of the University of Ibadan (UI). 

The Congress, which was scheduled to deliberate on pressing issues including a recent over 100% hike in school fees, was suspended on what the ERC describes as “flimsy and undemocratic” grounds.

In a statement released on Friday and signed by ,Nnamdi Ochi Branch Secretary, ERC UI Chapter the ERC expressed dismay that the suspension contradicts a resolution passed by the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), stressing that such a move undermines the authority of the SRC and violates the democratic rights of the student body.

The SU leadership, through a statement signed by President Covenant Odedele and General Secretary Segun Olowu, cited fears of possible unrest as the reason for the suspension. 

However, the ERC has dismissed this rationale as baseless, arguing that the decision stems from concerns raised by students over the level of preparedness for the Congress — not from any credible threat.
"The Congress is not a privilege that can be arbitrarily withdrawn by Union executives," the ERC stated.

"It is a constitutional right of students to collectively deliberate and make decisions, especially in times of crisis."

The group warned that the suspension reflects a growing trend of authoritarianism within the Students’ Union and called on the SRC to reject the decision and reassert its constitutional authority.

 It also urged students, activists, and progressive platforms to begin collecting signatories, in line with union procedures, to demand an emergency Congress.

According to the ERC, suppressing democratic student platforms makes it easier for university management to introduce anti-student policies without resistance.

The ERC called for the immediate reversal of the suspension and outlined key demands aimed at strengthening student rights and welfare.

These include: Providing adequate public funding for education to ensure accessible and quality learning."

"Ending all forms of exploitative and excessive school fees."

"Improving accommodation, learning facilities, and general welfare conditions on campus."

"Reinstating Nice Linus as a duly elected member of the SRC, in line with students’ democratic mandate."

"Halting all forms of intimidation or victimisation targeted at student activists."
Others include; ensuring that the SU Electoral Committee is chaired by students, not university officials, in accordance with the principles of independent unionism."

The ERC also urged that it was important to uphold students’ rights to association, expression, and active participation in campus governance.

The ERC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all democratic initiatives that defend and advance students’ rights.

It urged the student body to remain organised, vigilant, and ready to resist any attempts to erode hard-won democratic spaces.
Students interested in joining the ERC or helping to build its activities on campus were encouraged to reach out via the provided contact numbers.