By Gabriel Ameh
The Federal High Court in Ibadan has struck out an application by the University of Ibadan (UI) seeking an injunction against three students involved in a protest over an increase in university fees.
The application, filed by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, was withdrawn during proceedings on Monday, September 14, 2026, after the court noted that the affected students had already resumed classes and that the substantive appeal was pending before the Court of Appeal.
The matter is contained in Suit No. FHC/IB/CS/87/2025 and involves students Aduwo Ayodele, Mide Gbadegesin and Nice Linus.
The university had sought an injunction pending the determination of its appeal against an earlier Federal High Court judgment delivered on April 15, 2026.
Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha, who presided over the matter, indicated that there was effectively no order left to stay because the students had already returned to classes. The court also directed that any further application relating to the pending appeal should be pursued before the appellate court.
Following the court’s position, counsel for the university, E.O. Fatola, withdrew the application, after which it was struck out.
Dispute dates back to fee protest
The dispute dates back to May 13, 2024, when the students displayed placards bearing messages including “No To Fee Hike” and “#FeesMustFall” during the inauguration of Students’ Union representatives.
The students subsequently faced disciplinary proceedings by the university. Ayodele and Gbadegesin were later rusticated, while the students challenged the disciplinary measures in court.
In its April 15, 2026 judgment, the Federal High Court ordered the reinstatement of Ayodele and Gbadegesin. The university subsequently appealed the decision before the Court of Appeal.
The substantive appeal remains pending.
CAPPA calls for end to dispute
Reacting to the latest development, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) urged the University of Ibadan to respect the Federal High Court’s judgment and bring the dispute to an end.
CAPPA said the students’ case arose from their peaceful opposition to an increase in university fees and argued that students should be able to express concerns about policies affecting their education and welfare.
The organisation called on the university management to avoid further actions that could be perceived as retaliatory and allow the affected students to complete their studies without intimidation, harassment or discrimination.
CAPPA also urged Nigerian universities to review their disciplinary procedures to ensure that students’ constitutional rights are protected and that peaceful criticism or protest over institutional policies is not automatically treated as misconduct.
“The court has spoken on the immediate issue. The responsible next step is for the University of Ibadan to practise what it preaches and lead by example by obeying the judgment and upholding the rule of law,” CAPPA’s Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, said.
Students welcome court decision
Ayodele and Gbadegesin welcomed the court’s decision, with Ayodele describing the development as significant for students’ freedom of expression.
Gbadegesin also said the ruling had strengthened his confidence in the students’ legal challenge.
The latest ruling does not determine the university’s substantive appeal. That matter remains before the Court of Appeal.
For now, the students can continue attending classes, with any further decision on the underlying appeal to be determined by the appellate court.
