A Federal High Court in Ibadan has ordered the University of Ibadan to reinstate three students suspended over a protest against tuition fee hikes.

Justice Nkeonye Maha ruled that the institution violated the students’ rights by denying them a fair hearing during disciplinary proceedings.

The affected students, Aduwo Ayodele, Mide Gbadegesin, and Nice Linus, were suspended in July 2025 after participating in protests triggered by an increase in school fees approved by the university’s governing council.

The court held that the university’s disciplinary committee failed to follow due process, particularly by not allowing the students to call witnesses or present evidence in their defence.

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

The lawsuit had argued that the suspension breached the students’ fundamental rights, including fair hearing, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly as guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitution.

Following the ruling, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) commended the judgment, describing it as a strong affirmation of students’ rights and a warning against suppressing dissent in academic institutions.

The group also urged the university to comply immediately with the court order and apologise to the affected students.

The case highlights growing tensions in Nigerian universities over fee hikes and student activism, as well as the role of the judiciary in protecting constitutional rights.