Ekiti State, Nigeria – Seluwa Oluwaseun Vincent, a suspended nursing student at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital’s College of Nursing Sciences, has urgently appealed to the State House of Assembly, alleging unfair punishment for protesting abrupt hostel fee hikes.
College officials suspended him indefinitely following his opposition to increased charges, sparking outcry over administrative accountability.
In a formal petition to Assembly Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye, Vincent accused Students Affairs Officer Mrs. Adaramola Bukola Ayodele of systematic harassment and intimidation.
He claimed she threatened expulsion and publicly humiliated him, actions he alleges occurred with Provost Mrs. Olabisi Awe’s endorsement.
The suspension letter, dated January 3, 2025, cited his refusal to vacate hostel premises and alleged verbal abuse toward officials.
However, Vincent vehemently denied these charges in an interview with Reporters, asserting the punishment targeted his activism against fee increases.
“They raised bed space costs from ₦100,000 to ₦280,000 without consulting students or parents,” he stated.
During a meeting, administrators reportedly threatened dissenters with expulsion when questioned about the hike.
Vincent described an October 2024 incident where Adaramola allegedly ordered classmates to break into his room after he delayed relocating due to financial constraints.
“She told them to drag me out if I resisted,” he recounted, highlighting escalating tensions between students and staff.
The controversy has intensified scrutiny of college leadership, with Vincent alleging Adaramola routinely bullies students and ignores parental concerns.
His petition urges lawmakers to investigate alleged abuses of power and reverse his suspension.
Meanwhile, EKSUTH authorities have not publicly addressed the claims, though Acting Provost Dr. Awe O.O. signed the suspension order.
As protests simmer among student groups, civil society organizations demand transparent investigations into fiscal policies and disciplinary practices at the institution.
Vincent’s case has become a flashpoint in broader debates about educational costs and governance in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Observers now await the Assembly’s response, hoping for measures ensuring fair treatment and protecting student advocacy rights.
Vincent, formerly the Students’ Union Public Relations Officer, emphasized his suspension followed months of clashes over welfare issues.
“They want to silence criticism, but we’ll keep fighting for justice,” he declared. Parents and alumni have since echoed calls for reforms, citing similar grievances over rising fees and administrative high-handedness.
With public pressure mounting, the Ekiti Assembly faces growing demands to intervene swiftly.
Stakeholders stress that resolving this conflict could set a precedent for addressing student-administration disputes nationwide.
For now, Vincent remains determined to clear his name, vowing to continue advocacy despite the personal risks.