After 7 years, dismissed student activist graduates from University of Lagos
Story from Maimunat MOHAMMAD
Olorunfemi Adeyeye, a former student activist who was previously dismissed from the University of Lagos for his involvement in a protest against inadequate campus infrastructure, has successfully graduated after a seven-year journey.
Reflecting on his achievement, Adeyeye expressed the belief that his consistency and refusal to compromise on his principles played a significant role in his graduation. Despite facing pressure to conform, he remained steadfast and did not compromise his values.
Adeyeye and several other students were initially dismissed from the university for their participation in a protest that led to the temporary closure of the institution in 2016.
However, in January 2022, he was reinstated by the university administration.
At the time of his suspension, Adeyeye was a 400-level Building student in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences. The protest, which took place in April 2016, aimed to address the poor welfare conditions experienced by students on campus.
Security operatives intervened and quelled the demonstration, resulting in the indefinite suspension of the student union.
Adeyeye’s outspoken criticism of the university administration, particularly on social media platforms, contributed to his eventual rustication. He referred to the University Senate as a “conglomeration of academic ignorami” in a Facebook post and was charged with leading a delegation that disrupted events at the Dean of Student Affairs office in March 2016.
Upon sharing the news of his graduation on Facebook, Adeyeye received numerous congratulatory messages from well-wishers. His journey serves as a testament to his resilience and determination to overcome obstacles in pursuit of his educational goals.