The court reinstated three suspended UI students

The Federal High Court, Ibadan, on Wednesday ordered the readmission of three students of the University of Ibadan.

The students were suspended for protesting against the increase in school fees on May 13, 2024.

The applicants – Aduwo Ayodele, Gbadegesin Iyanuoluwa and Linus Adaoma – filed a lawsuit against the University of Ibadan and its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, for their suspension for four semesters.

Applicants protested during the inauguration of newly elected student union officials on May 13 2024 and carried placards demanding a reduction in fees.

The petitioners through their attorney, Mr Adedayo Ajani asked the court to order the reinstatement.

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They urged the court to set aside the disciplinary committee’s decision dated July 14, 2025 for violating their rights by not providing a fair hearing, treating them like criminals and handing them over to the state’s joint security network, Operation Burst.

Delivering the judgment on Wednesday, Justice Nkeonye Maha said the institution had the right to discipline its students, but this must be done fairly and in accordance with the law.

Maha said failure to comply with a fair hearing by the institution’s disciplinary committee rendered the action taken against the suspended student void.

The judge further stated that there was no evidence in court that the peaceful protest disrupted the completion of the inauguration of the newly elected student union officials.

“I hereby set aside the decision of the institution’s disciplinary committee and order the reinstatement of the suspended students and the restoration of their full student status starting May 13, 2024,” he said.

The judge also prohibited the agency and its agents from imposing any disciplinary action against the applicant in connection with the matter.