The Education Rights Campaign (ERC), University of Ibadan chapter, has called on students to mobilise for a congress to address worsening welfare conditions on campus and push for urgent reforms from the university authorities.
In a statement issued by its Branch Secretary, Ochi M.N., the group said it welcomed both returning and new students but expressed concern over what it described as the continued deterioration of living and learning conditions despite high tuition fees.
The group accused the University of Ibadan management of failing to improve basic infrastructure, particularly electricity supply in student halls of residence.
It cited Mellanby Hall as an example, alleging that students have endured nearly a month of persistent blackout without resolution. According to the ERC, the situation has created room for exploitation, with some hall officials allegedly collecting money from fresh students to purchase fuel for generators used for basic services such as charging phones and accessing water.
The group further warned that the electricity crisis has triggered wider challenges, including poor water supply, worsening sanitation, and increased insecurity due to inadequate lighting. It also raised concerns about overcrowded lecture halls, describing them as unsafe and unsuitable for effective learning.
The ERC condemned what it called “deplorable conditions,” arguing that there has been no corresponding improvement in student welfare despite repeated fee increments.
It urged students not to normalise improvised solutions such as self-funding generator fuel, describing them as temporary fixes that deepen financial hardship without addressing the underlying problems.
The organisation called for collective action, urging students across halls of residence to begin mobilisation and pressure the Students’ Union to convene a mass congress where grievances can be formally discussed and decisions taken.
The statement also referenced a recent court judgment that nullified the suspension of three student activists; Ayodele Aduwo, Nice Linus, and Mide Gbadegbesin who were previously sanctioned for protesting fee increases.
The ERC described the ruling as a victory for students’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, citing Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution. It urged the university to immediately reinstate the affected students, adding that sustained pressure may be required to ensure compliance.
The group concluded that students’ union leadership should be viewed as a platform for advocacy rather than personal advancement, stressing the need for courageous representation in defence of students’ welfare and rights.
