The Education Rights Campaign (ERC), University of Ibadan branch, has criticised the President of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union (UI-SU), Temidayo Adeboye, over his reaction to a recent Federal High Court judgment that nullified the suspension of three student activists in the institution.
The group described Adeboye’s comments as “misguided” and inconsistent with the responsibility expected of a student leader.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, by its UI Branch Secretary, Ochi M.N., the ERC faulted the union president’s position on the ruling, which declared the suspension of Aduwo Ayodele, Mide Gbadegesin, and Nice Linus—popularly known as the UI3—as unconstitutional and void.
The court had ruled on April 15, 2026, that the university violated the students’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.
However, Adeboye was reported to have questioned the validity of the judgment during a Students’ Representative Council sitting, arguing that the university was not present in court when the ruling was delivered.
He was also quoted as saying the case was “not yet a dead matter,” suggesting the legal process was still ongoing.
The ERC, however, strongly rejected this position, describing it as a misunderstanding of legal procedure and the authority of court judgments.
According to the group, the ruling remains valid and enforceable regardless of whether the university was physically present at the time of delivery, adding that the judgment itself reflects a clear violation of students’ rights.
The ERC also accused the union leadership of failing to defend affected students and instead appearing aligned with the university administration.
It argued that at a time when students are facing worsening welfare conditions—including persistent power outages in several halls of residence—the union ought to be more focused on protecting student interests.
The group further maintained that the court judgment is not just a personal victory for the affected students but a broader win for student rights across the campus, stressing that disciplinary measures should not be used to silence dissent.
It also dismissed suggestions that the suspended students needed approval from the union before seeking legal redress, insisting that access to justice is a constitutional right.
While noting the union leadership’s plan to engage stakeholders on the matter, the ERC argued that such meetings should not replace a properly convened Students’ Union Congress, which would allow wider participation and accountability.
The group called on the university to fully comply with the court ruling, urged the union leadership to withdraw its comments, and demanded the immediate convocation of a congress to address both the judgment and broader welfare concerns affecting students.
