Editorial: Reviewing UI’s Commitment to Building a Truly Free World

Education is a powerful tool meant to refine individuals, shaping them into logical, reasonable, and civil members of society. This transformative process is essential, as it equips people with the ability to engage in critical thinking, advocate for justice, and uphold democratic values. A university, as a citadel of learning, holds a focal role in imparting these values to its students, who are the future of any society. It is in these hallowed halls that the tenets of constitutionalism and civic responsibility should be instilled, forming the bedrock upon which a fair and just society can be built. In Nigeria, where the fabric of society is frequently tested by unconstitutional acts and governmental overreach, universities must serve as catalyst of hope and enlightenment. Events that emanate from these institutions should epitomize how adhering to constitutional principles can rescue our nation from its current trajectory.

The University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university, encapsulates this ideal in its anthem with the closing line of the first stanza, “Help to build a world that is truly free.” This phrase is not merely poetic; it encompasses a deep commitment to the university’s foundational mission: to use education as a tool to stimulate freedom, justice, and equality. By further emphasizing the building of a “truly free” world, the anthem acknowledges the complexities of achieving true freedom, particularly in a society like Nigeria’s, where civil liberties are often under threat. Yet, recent events at the Kunle Adepeju Memorial Student’s Union Building starkly contrast with the university’s proclaimed dedication to these principles. The management’s actions in recent times, including but not limited to the astronomical hike in student fees and the ongoing victimization of protesting students at the Student Disciplinary Committee, clearly negate the university’s professed commitment to freedom and democracy.

On Saturday, August 25th, a group of concerned students planned to convene at the Student’s Union Building to discuss their grievances and the state of affairs at the university. However, upon arrival, they were met with a startling sight: the venue was heavily occupied by officers from the university’s security unit, led by the Chief Security Officer, Mr. Victor Fadeyibi. The officers, in a show of force reminiscent of Nigeria’s darkest military rule days, declared that “no gathering will be tolerated at the Student’s Union Building.” This aggressive stance is not only troubling but also serves as a chilling reminder of how easily freedoms can be curtailed, even within the confines of an institution that should champion them.

The actions of the university’s security forces represent a blatant violation of Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to peaceful assembly. This constitutional provision is a linchpin of any democratic society, ensuring that individuals can gather to express their views, voice their concerns, and engage in meaningful discourse without fear of repression. For a university that prides itself on the line “Help to build a world that is truly free,” such draconian measures are not just hypocritical; they are a direct assault on the very ideals the institution claims to uphold.

Moreover, the incident at the Student’s Union Building is emblematic of a broader, more insidious trend within the university . It is ironic, and indeed troubling, that a significant number of security personnel and vehicles can be deployed to stifle a peaceful assembly of students seeking to discuss their affairs. Meanwhile, the broader security challenges on campus, which genuinely require attention and resources, continue to be neglected. This misplaced prioritization not only diminishes the university’s credibility and also raises serious questions about its commitment to promoting a safe and supportive learning environment.

The University of Ibadan’s response to student activism and dissent is not just an isolated incident; it is part of a growing pattern of anti-democratic behavior that threatens to erode the institution’s reputation as a leading center of learning and enlightenment. When students are discouraged from expressing their opinions and engaging in constructive debate, the very essence of education is compromised. The university, rather than silencing dissenting voices, should welcome them as an opportunity for growth, reflection, and improvement.

In a nation where the spaces for free expression are rapidly closing, universities like the University of Ibadan should stand as guards of liberty and intellectual freedom. The University should be an environment where students are encouraged to think critically, question authority, and challenge the status quo. Instead, the university’s actions suggest a troubling willingness to conform to the authoritarian tendencies that are increasingly prevalent in Nigeria’s broader political landscape. This approach is not only counterproductive but also fundamentally at odds with the university’s stated mission of building a truly free world.

To remain the highly regarded premier citadel of learning that it is acclaimed to be, the University of Ibadan must urgently reassess its commitment to these principles. It is imperative that the administration recognizes that actions speak louder than words. Upholding democratic values is not just about reciting lines from an anthem; it requires a genuine commitment to nurturing an environment where freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and intellectual discourse are not only tolerated but actively encouraged. 

The recent events at the Student’s Union Building should serve as a wake-up call for the university. If it continues down this path of repression and intolerance, it risks not only losing its status as a leader in higher education but also its moral authority to guide the nation towards a better future. It is time for the University of Ibadan to live up to its anthem and take concrete steps towards building a world that is truly free. This means embracing openness, respecting students’ rights, and creating a campus culture that truly reflects the democratic ideals the university claims to uphold.

The University of Ibadan’s actions must align with its noble ideals. The administration should take immediate steps to reverse its current course and demonstrate a renewed commitment to the principles of freedom, democracy, and constitutionalism. Only by doing so can it hope to fulfill its mission of helping to build a world that is truly free, not just for its students, but for all Nigerians. The eyes of the nation are watching, and the time for decisive action is now