The Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attacks (ANSA), Southwest Region, has threatened to mobilise mass action if the University of Ibadan does not stop what it described as the persecution of three students, Aduwo Ayodele, Nice Linus and Mide Gbadegesin, for protesting a hike in tuition fees.
In a statement signed by Comrade Pacheco Ayomide Temidayo, South West Coordinator, and Comrade Raheem Teminiyi, South West, General Secretary, ANSA accused the university management of victimising students who spoke up for their rights.
It stated, “Nice Linus, Mide Gbadegesin and Ayodele Aduwo defended their personal, and by extension, collective rights of their fellow students, raising their voices against a policy that could push many out of the classroom and into the streets.
“Yet, rather than yield to the demands of these students, the university authority has chosen intimidation and victimisation. The misguided action by the University of Ibadan reeks of repression and confirms the growing tendency of campus administrators to crush resistance through threats and coercion.”
According to the student body, the three students were only protecting over the right to education for indigent students but have instead been targeted for disciplinary action.
“ANSA firmly reiterates that peaceful protest is a sacred right guaranteed by Nigeria’s Constitution and cannot be criminalised under any guise,” it said.
“The summoning of these student activists is a direct assault on freedom of expression, association, and assembly. We warn the management that this authoritarian overreach will not stand!”
The group described the actions of the university management as an attack on fundamental freedoms and vowed to resist any attempt to silence student activism on campus.
It said, “We demand the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all summons and disciplinary proceedings against Aduwo Ayodele, Nice Linus and Mide Gbadegesin, a public apology from the university management for this blatant act of intimidation, reversal of the hiked tuition, adequate funding of public education and financial accountability of the UI Management.”
ANSA also urged students, rights groups and civil society organisations to stand in solidarity with the affected students and to hold the university management accountable.
“We also call on all Nigerian students and progressive organisations like the Take It Back Movement (TIB), Campaign for the Defence of Students Rights (CDSR), Amnesty International, SERAP, Education Rights Campaign (ERC), the National Association of Nigerian Students, amidst others, to rise decisively and in solidarity,” it said.
The alliance said it would not hesitate to mobilise students across the region and beyond if their demands are ignored.
“ANSA is on standby and shall not hesitate to mobilise students across the Southwest and beyond for mass action if these demands are not met with urgency. We shall resist every attempt to commercialise education or punish those who stand up for their rights,” it added.
About the Author
