Describing the disciplinary process leading to the suspension as a “shambolic trial,” the Union accused the University of Ibadan of operating a kangaroo panel that denied the students access to proper legal support and due process.

The Students' Union Government (SUG) of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has condemned the suspension of three students of the University of Ibadan — Olamide Gbadegeshin, Aduwo Ayodele, and Nice Linus — over their involvement in a protest against a staggering tuition fee hike at the institution.

Dubbed the "UI3," the trio were suspended after peacefully protesting what has been widely criticised as an outrageous increase in school fees — from ₦69,000 to over ₦412,000 — a move that sparked widespread outrage among students, activists, and civil society groups.

In a solidarity statement jointly signed by FUOYE SUG President, Comrade Adio James, Comrade Alao Ayorinde, General Secretary, and Comrade Abiola David, Public Relations Officer, and made available to SaharaReporters, the Union described the suspension as “unjust,” “repressive,” and “a betrayal of the principles of accessible education and democratic engagement.”

The FUOYE SUG, under the leadership of what they cheekily referred to as “our very own bus driver, Ogbeni Adio,” aligned itself with the broader #FeesMustFall campaign and student solidarity platforms like the Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attacks (ANSA) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), all of whom have denounced the suspensions as politically motivated.

Describing the disciplinary process leading to the suspension as a “shambolic trial,” the Union accused the University of Ibadan of operating a kangaroo panel that denied the students access to proper legal support and due process.

The statement reads in part; “The Federal University Oye-Ekiti Students' Union Government (FUOYESUG), under the leadership of our very own bus driver, Ogbeni Adio, strongly condemns the unjust suspension of Olamide Gbadegeshin, Aduwo Ayodele, and Nice Linus — the UI3 — for protesting the University of Ibadan's exorbitant fee hike. 

"Their peaceful demonstration against fees rising from ₦69,000 to as high as ₦412,000 was a courageous stand for accessible education, not a crime. As Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,’” the statement read.

"“By silencing these students, the university undermines the right to education and free expression, betraying its mission of fostering knowledge and justice. The Better Days Cabinet stands in solidarity with the UI3, joining the Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attacks (ANSA), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and others in demanding their immediate reinstatement.

"“The disciplinary process, described as a ‘shambolic trial’ lacking transparency and legal support, is an affront to fairness. Malala Yousafzai’s words resonate here: ‘We realise the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.’

“The UI3’s protest highlights the crisis of affordability in education, forcing some students into desperate measures to survive. We cannot allow such injustice to stand. We pledge our full support to the UI3 and the #FeesMustFall movement, committing to mobilise our members and collaborate with civil society to ensure justice. 

"We call on the University of Ibadan to reinstate the UI3, reverse the fee hike, and uphold students’ rights to protest. As Kofi Annan stated, ‘Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress.’ The university must champion these principles, not suppress them.

“To our dear comrades, the UI3: You do not stand alone. Across campuses, we rise with you. Your courage is not just heard — it is felt, it is respected, and it will be remembered!”