By David Olatunji
Student activism, a crucial aspect of public engagement and community advocacy in Nigeria, faces significant challenges as authorities increasingly clamp down on dissent. This troubling trend is not limited to state governance but extends to Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Recently, students at the University of Ibadan, including Olamide Gbadegesin and Aduwo Ayodele, faced persecution and threats, such as suspension of their studentship, after protesting against a fee hike during the inauguration ceremony of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union executives on May 13, 2024.
This situation exemplifies the growing difficulty for students to advocate for positive changes and reforms within their universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, where they prepare for life beyond school.
Salvation Grace, a recent graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University and a student activist focused on social impact and community engagement, spoke with The Harbinger about the importance of student activism. Grace emphasized that activism allows students to unite and fight for their collective interests, standing in solidarity.
“My journey into student activism began when I joined the Action Committee of the Student Union at Obafemi Awolowo University,” she said. “I immersed myself in social ideologies, learned about global movements, attended mobilization meetings, participated in protests, and confronted school management over issues like hostel blackouts, water shortages, and poor academic calendars.”
Despite facing harassment from school security, Grace remains committed to activism. “I did activism with a clear ideology and passion. I had my bad days but no regrets,” she added.
Grace believes that student activism grooms individuals into future leaders. “Through activism, we develop leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Notable leaders like Nelson Mandela, Femi Falana, Omoyele Sowore, and Wole Soyinka all started as student activists.”
She stressed the need for more student activists on campuses, stating, “Raising more student activists within the campus community will empower others to create positive change and fight against anti-student policies. Our campuses can become hubs for social justice where progress thrives and rights are protected.”
However, many Nigerian tertiary institutions restrict activism, allowing only dialogue, not protests, from student representative bodies. At a well-known university in Nigeria, students are not permitted to post information or statements about campus events without permission from authorized personnel, infringing on their constitutional rights to freedom of speech and movement.
Olamide Gbadegesin, a postgraduate student of the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ibadan, spoke about his experience with student activism. Gbadegesin recently received a query letter and was summoned to appear before a committee for protesting against the fee hike during the inauguration of the Students’ Union at Trenchard Hall.
Despite facing persecution, Gbadegesin remains steadfast in his advocacy for social justice and change within the campus community. He has been involved in mobilizing and sensitizing students on the importance of education and who is responsible for funding it.
“Engaging in activism is part of the academics we strive for in schools, not the wrong label given by tertiary institutions,” Gbadegesin said. “If students are not conscious of their immediate environment and seek positive changes, their education has no purpose. Our activism against the fee hike is for the benefit of University of Ibadan students.”
Gbadegesin urged Nigerian tertiary institutions to allow student activism on campuses without intimidation or threats. “They have a legal, moral, and academic obligation to do so,” he stated.
He also encouraged student activists to remain resolute. “Passiveness and mutism betray education. True education is evident in our capacity to make society better. The goal of education is social justice. Ensure it,” he concluded.
