As discussions about Nigeria’s first free and fair election continue in the national assembly, the country grapples with a state of emergency declared in Rivers State, leading to the dissolution of democratically constituted structures. In this tense atmosphere, a courageous 300 Level student at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university, has stepped into the spotlight of a similar democratic struggle. Nice Linus is pressing legal action over what she describes as the unilateral annulment of her election, despite receiving overwhelming support from her peers in a process deemed free and fair. In this exclusive interview with Tunde Akingbondere of Citizen Rapporteur, Linus shares her thoughts on the injustices she has faced, her decision to take the University of Ibadan to the Federal High Court, and her experience of physical abuse. She aims to set a precedent in history and correct the barrage of misinformation surrounding her actions.
Who is Nice Linus?
Nice Linus: I am a 300 Level student in the Faculty of Law at the University of Ibadan. I am a student leader and activist passionate about education and social justice. I also write fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. My interest in activism is rooted in my core beliefs and personal reflections about my identity and ambitions. While I was never confrontational in the traditional sense, I have always yearned for education. Growing up, I was fortunate to have supportive parents who treated me like the only princess in a family of boys. It was during a Social Studies class in secondary school that I first encountered the concept of ‘son preference.’ My parents believed in education, which compelled me to do the same.
This foundation allowed me to excel academically while remaining grounded. My love for education is paramount and has driven my eagerness to apply any knowledge I acquire. I faced significant challenges, including a period of dropping out due to financial constraints, but my school awarded me a scholarship that enabled my return. This experience instilled in me a lasting appreciation for education, as I once felt my future slipping away. My activism is intertwined with my educational journey and the discovery of my interests.
Initially, I aspired to become a medical practitioner, but after my writing skills were recognized, I shifted to the humanities, specifically the Department of English Literature. Ultimately, I chose to study law because I am passionate about justice and detest injustice. I want to advocate for the poor and women, ensuring they have better opportunities in life. My studies at the Faculty of Law marked the beginning of my activism.
Akingbondere: Can you explain the conflict between you and the management of the University of Ibadan, particularly regarding your SRC tenure?
Linus: To understand this conflict, I need to go back to April. Fees were unilaterally increased from around N20,000–N30,000 for freshers to N180,000, N220,000, and N280,000, not including other miscellaneous fees. We organized congresses, collected signatures, and pressured the Students’ Representatives Council to oppose this drastic tuition hike. Unfortunately, our efforts were hindered by ineffective leadership from the then union president, Bolaji Aweda, who prioritized the UISU election over the fee hike issue.
On 27th April, 2024, I was elected to the Students’ Representatives Council, the 11th Assembly, with my inauguration scheduled for 13th May, 2024. We protested peacefully at the inauguration venue, only displaying placards to appeal to the authorities and student leaders. Unfortunately, the situation escalated, and we were forcibly removed, beaten, and handed over to the Nigerian Army.
After our ordeal, the university began querying us. On July 2nd, we attended a fact-finding committee meeting. Following that, on July 16th and 17th, students protested against electricity rationing, fee hikes, and the victimization of student activists. A Deputy Vice Chancellor assured us that there would be no victimization, leading many to believe our situation was resolved.
In August, the University of Ibadan Governing Council mandated that students pay the increased fees, giving us one week to comply. This led to another wave of protests on August 29th, 30th, and 31st, prompting the university management to send students home on an emergency three-week break. I was actively involved in coordinating protests and attending congresses, online campaigns, and radio interviews.
Akingbondere: What happened during your election, and how did the annulment against your return to the house occur?
Linus: After the ban on elections was lifted by the SU Electoral Commission, I obtained a form for the SRC election and paid the required fee. I submitted my form on time and was screened, achieving a score of 77.4%. On election day, my name was included among the candidates, and I was declared the winner, also earning the title of majority leader.
However, days later, an internal memorandum not addressed to me, but sent to the Speaker of the 11th Assembly, stated that my election was an oversight due to a Senate regulation preventing students with pending disciplinary cases from contesting. I was never informed of any pending disciplinary case. No communication was made to me about a pending disciplinary case since 2nd July, 2024, when I was invited to stand before the Fact-Finding Committee. The Central Students’ Disciplinary Committee had never, at any time, invited me for hearing. Even if there was a ‘pending SDC case’, the Constitution of the Students’ Union does not disqualify me from contesting elections, neither is there any known senate regulation to that effect contained in the student handbook.
Despite my election victory, the Deputy Registrar insisted on this regulation, which I could not find in the students’ handbook or the students’ union constitution. Subsequently, the Speaker removed me from the Honourable Members’ group, disqualified me, and tarnished my reputation, despite my clear and fair victory.
Akingbondere: What has your experience been like since the annulment?
Linus: The past year has been incredibly traumatic. I attended the inauguration ceremony on March 7th. No formal communication about my disqualification had been sent to me, so I believed it was my right to attend. While I was supposed to take the oath with my fellow SRC members, I was forcibly removed and manhandled. When students attempted to assist me, they were also assaulted, beaten, and had their phones confiscated.
Between August 31st and November, those of us involved in the protests faced severe repercussions. We were followed, monitored, and harassed. The Department of State Services had already bugged our phones, invading our privacy. The university security treated us as suspects, trailing us wherever we went. This environment of intimidation made everyday life unbearable, as we were often embarrassed in public and barred from university events.
Akingbondere: What are your expectations regarding the court’s involvement in your case?
Linus: I understand that the process of seeking justice may be strenuous, but I remain hopeful that justice will ultimately prevail. I want this case to serve as a precedent, countering the numerous narratives spread by the university management to discourage dissent. I hope it raises awareness among my fellow students.
Akingbondere: Have the university authorities been served with the court order? Do you expect them to comply?
Linus: Yes, they have been served. However, I have no expectations for their compliance. If they fail to obey the court’s order, it will constitute contempt of court.
