NANS Blasts Outgoing University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has launched a scathing attack on the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, accusing him of presiding over what it described as an administration defined by anti-student policies, oppression, and intimidation of student leaders.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, July 23, 2026, NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, alleged that Professor Adebowale's tenure was characterized by policies that subjected students to hardship and created what he described as an unfriendly academic environment.

Akinteye said he deliberately refrained from publicly criticizing the Vice-Chancellor while he was still in office, explaining that he had monitored his administration from his time as NANS Vice President (External Affairs), through his tenure as Senate President, and now as President of the association.

According to him, Professor Adebowale failed the test of leadership, alleging that he abused the powers of his office and ruled "like an oppressor." He claimed that students who stood up against policies they considered unfavourable were allegedly intimidated, suspended, and, in some cases, expelled from the institution.

The NANS President further alleged that student leaders who advocated for improved welfare were punished under the outgoing Vice-Chancellor's administration. He also claimed that the Students' Union was weakened and rendered ineffective, alleging that it was prevented from functioning as an independent voice for students.

Beyond issues relating to student welfare, Akinteye alleged that Professor Adebowale's tenure was surrounded by several controversies and corruption allegations. On behalf of the leadership of NANS, he called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the outgoing Vice-Chancellor's administration.

He further stated that Professor Adebowale had lost the confidence of Nigerian students and warned that the student body would oppose any future appointment involving the former Vice-Chancellor should he be nominated for any public office.

While criticizing the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, NANS congratulated the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba, on his appointment.

The association urged the new Vice-Chancellor to avoid what it described as the mistakes of his predecessor by adopting student-friendly policies, promoting dialogue with students, prudently managing the affairs of the university, and creating a more conducive academic environment.

The statement was signed by Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).