A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), has lauded the court order for the reinstatement of three suspended students of the University of Ibadan.

Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court in Ibadan on Wednesday ordered the reinstatement of three students of the university suspended for protesting over hike in school fees on May 13, 2024.

The students, Aduwo Ayodele, Gbadegesin Iyanuoluwa and Linus Adaoma had challenged their suspension for four semesters by the institution and prayed for reinstatement of their studentship.

Reacting to the judgment, CAPPA in a statement on Thursday by its Media and Communications Officer, Mr Robert Egbe, said the judgment affirmed students’ constitutional rights to freedom of thought and expression as guaranteed by Nigeria Constitution.

The organisation urged the University of Ibadan to immediately comply with the judgment delivered by the court and reinstate the students and tender an unreserved apology to the affected students.

CAPPA called on the university authorities to recognise the students as stakeholders rather than adversaries.

It also said that increment in fees and other developments affecting students must be subjected to transparent and participatory processes that consider the socio-economic realities of the students and their families.

CAPPA decried the troubling pattern in academic institutions across the country, whereby student activism, especially against rising school fees, was met with intimidation, suspension, and institutional repression.

The organisation, which had supported the students in their plight, expressed resolve to continue to support oppressed students across the country.

(NAN)