The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has ordered the University of Ibadan (UI) to immediately reinstate three students who were suspended for protesting a hike in tuition fees.

Justice Nkeonye Maha, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, nullified the decision of the institution’s Central Student Disciplinary Committee, ruling that the process violated the students’ right to a fair hearing.

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“I hereby set aside the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and order the reinstatement of the suspended students,” the judge declared.

The affected students — Aduwo Ayodele, Mide Gbadegesin, and Nice Linus — were suspended on July 14, 2025, after participating in a protest against increased tuition fees approved by the university’s governing council.

The protest reportedly began at midnight and was triggered by a circular issued by the council’s secretary, G.O. Saliu. The circular confirmed the approval of a reviewed schedule of levies for both newly admitted and returning undergraduate students for the 2023/2024 academic session.

It also directed students to complete payment and registration before a stipulated deadline to enable departments prepare for first semester examinations.

Challenging their suspension, the students approached the court, arguing that the disciplinary proceedings denied them the opportunity to defend themselves. They specifically alleged that they were not allowed to call witnesses or present video evidence during hearings before both the Student Disciplinary Committee and the Central Student Disciplinary Committee.

They asked the court to declare the process a violation of their constitutional right to fair hearing as guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and to set aside the sanctions imposed on them.

The court, in its ruling, agreed with the applicants, affirming that the disciplinary was flawed and lacked adherence to principles of natural justice.

Justice Maha consequently ordered the immediate restoration of the students’ rights and privileges, including attending lectures, writing examinations, and participating in student union activities.