The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), an umbrella body of students in Nigeria and abroad, has requested the immediate removal of Professor Kayode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), for what it describes as tyrannical leadership.
It should be noted that the institution’s administration closed the university for three weeks in response to a protest over the school fee increase.
NANS, in a statement signed by Senate President, Comrade Akinteye Afeez on Wednesday, decried the increase in school fees, the absence of provision for student welfare, and other issues during his administration.
“We strongly condemn the oppressive and anti-student actions of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. K.O. Adebowale. His administration’s decision to hike tuition fees while ignoring the cries of students has brought untold hardship to thousands of Nigerian students.
“The VC’s disregard for student welfare has become evident in the current situation, where, instead of addressing the genuine concerns raised by the Student Union over the exorbitant fees, he chose the cowardly route of sending students home for three weeks.
“This three-week forced closure is nothing but a calculated attempt to silence the students and weaken the Union’s fight for justice, rather than engaging in dialogue to find a reasonable solution.“
“Since assuming office, Prof. Adebowale has made life unbearable for students. His blatant refusal to extend the deadline for tuition payment, despite multiple pleas from the Student Union, is a clear sign that he has no interest in the academic future or welfare of the students.
“It is clear to all that Prof. Adebowale’s actions have proven that he lacks the compassion and leadership qualities necessary to steer a university of the caliber of the University of Ibadan.
“We commend the efforts of the Student Union and NELFUND in providing financial support to students. If not for these initiatives, many students would have been forced to drop out due to financial burdens. However, it is evident that the situation at the University of Ibadan cannot improve while Prof. Adebowale remains in office.
“We, therefore, call for the immediate removal of Prof. K.O. Adebowale as Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan. His tyrannical leadership is a disgrace to the academic community, and his continuous threats to silence the Student Union prove that he is unfit to hold such a position of authority.”
The association labelled the VC’s actions as not only anti-student but also anti-education, stating that as long as he is VC, the future of many young Nigerians is at stake.
The association added, “We demand that the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders intervene immediately to end this unjust treatment of students. The interests of the students should always be the priority, not the personal gains of a Vice Chancellor who has long lost his way.
“Prof. Adebowale must go, and Nigerian students will not rest until justice is served. We refuse to allow this despot to continue to ruin the future of our brothers and sisters at the University of Ibadan,” NANS added in the statement.