The University of Ibadan (UI) management has issued letters to student activists, threatening expulsion over their protest against the recent fee hike.
The students, who carried placards with messages against the increment, are accused of gross misconduct and unruly behavior during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Student Union executives.
According to a statement sighted by FTN and signed by T.I. Musa, Deputy Registrar (Students), the students’ actions disrupted the event and constituted an act of misconduct.
The students have been given 48 hours which elapsed on Sunday to respond to the allegations and provide supporting documents, or face disciplinary action, including automatic suspension of their studentship.
The fee hike, which increased tuition from 20,000 to 400,000 naira, has sparked outrage among students, who are demanding a reversal of the decision. The #FeesMustFall movement has gained momentum, with students calling for a reduction in the “maddening” fee hike.
The statement reads partly, “At this event, Nice Linus, Aduwo Ayedele, Adeyeye Oluwafemi (an unknown person) and yourself carried placards with scandalous inscriptions against school fees increment.
“If this allegation is true, your actions constitute an act of Gross Misconduct, particularly unruly behaviour in the presence of the Vice Chancellor and other members of the University Management.
“Please forward your response with supporting documents, if any, to the Deputy Registrar (Students)within 48 hours of the receipt of this letter, stating why disciplinary action should not be taken against you on account of this allegation.
“Failure to respond to query within the period stipulated above and/or deliberate release of false information constitutes an act of misconduct which may result in automatic suspension of your studentship.” it added.
