The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Babatunde Akinteye, has said Nigerian students would oppose any future public appointment involving the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale.
Akinteye made the statement in a press release issued on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in which he criticised Adebowale’s tenure and called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the outgoing Vice-Chancellor over alleged anti-student policies and corruption.
Quoting Abraham Lincoln’s statement that, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power,” Akinteye alleged that the outgoing Vice-Chancellor misused the authority entrusted to him.
He wrote, “In your role as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, an administrative position where your character was tested with power, you ruled with oppression. Your infamous tenure was characterized by anti-student policies, many of which subjected students to hardship, strained them beyond their limits, and made learning frustrating for them.”
Akinteye further alleged that student leaders who demanded improved welfare were intimidated, suspended and expelled during Adebowale’s tenure.
“Worst of all, the most terrifying part of your rule is that whenever students rose to fight for their rights, you went out of your way, as a narcissist and an unrepentant oppressor, to intimidate, suspend, and ultimately expel them. You did the unimaginable, punishing student leaders who sought better welfare for students. The height of it all was that you ultimately silenced the Students’ Union and made it appear like a dog that can only bark but not bite,” he stated.
The NANS President also alleged that Adebowale’s tenure was “marred by controversies and several allegations of corruption,” prompting his call for an ICPC investigation into the administration.
“In the foregoing, on behalf of the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), I call on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the tenure of Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan,” the statement read.
Akinteye concluded by warning that Nigerian students would resist any future appointment involving the outgoing Vice-Chancellor.
He wrote, “Going forward, be informed that you have lost the trust of Nigerian students, a significant proportion of the country’s population, accounting for more than 19 per cent. Be informed that, following your tenure, if you are nominated for any position in this country, Nigerian students will mobilize massively against you.”
Akinteye urged the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Peter Olamakinde Olapegba, to adopt what he described as a student-friendly leadership style and prioritise students’ welfare.
Congratulating Olapegba on his appointment, the NANS President expressed hope that the new Vice-Chancellor would avoid what he alleged were the shortcomings of his predecessor.
“We congratulate you on this remarkable milestone and wish you a successful tenure. We hope that you will not toe the path of your predecessor and that you will champion the liberation of students. Furthermore, we enjoin you to be prudent in all your dealings, be student-friendly, and ensure improved welfare and a better academic environment for students,” he said.
He added that he hoped other vice-chancellors would draw lessons from Adebowale’s tenure and uphold integrity in the administration of higher institutions.
As of the time of filing this report, the University of Ibadan and Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the NANS President’s statement.
