By Becky Usman
Olorunfemi Adeyeye, a student activist who was rusticated by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 2016 for his involvement in organizing a mass protest against poor infrastructure on campus, has successfully graduated after a challenging seven-year journey.
Adeyeye, who was reinstated in 2022, has completed his studies and now holds a degree in the Department of Building. In 2016, he was suspended along with other student activists for their participation in the April 6 and 8 protests, which resulted in the temporary closure of the university and the indefinite suspension of the University of Lagos Students Union.
Additionally, Adeyeye faced allegations of criticizing the university’s leadership in a Facebook article titled “The Senate of the University of Lagos; a conglomeration of academic ignorami,” where he expressed disappointment in their handling of situations.
On Monday, Adeyeye shared his graduation photos on his Facebook page. In one of the pictures, he stood at attention, wearing a white shirt with the inscription, “It needed attention, and I gave it my all. To continue the bigger things. Grateful.”
During his suspension, UNILAG accused Adeyeye of leading a team called the “Save UNILAG Coalition,” which included members of the National Association of Nigerian Students, in disrupting the activities of the Dean of Student Affairs on March 31, 2016.
The university clarified that Adeyeye and other student leaders were not victimized solely because of their involvement in the protests, but because they violated certain regulations outlined in the university’s 2015-2016 student information handbook.
In a 2016 interview with The PUNCH, Adeyeye denied the accusations and stated that he and other student leaders were invited to a panel called the “Special Senate Disciplinary Committee on Recent Students’ Protest,” where it was decided that they would be rusticated for their participation in the protest.
He also emphasized that his Facebook article merely highlighted the undemocratic nature of the university Senate’s decision regarding his rustication.
Adeyeye’s graduation serves as a testament to his resilience and determination throughout his challenging academic journey.