The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has summoned two University of Abuja students expelled in July for allegedly planning a protest against a proposed fee hike.

According to The PUNCH, the students, Cyprian Igwe and Olamilekan Oladeru are expected to appear before the committee on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 3:00 pm in Meeting Room 120 of the New Senate Building at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

The students had petitioned the Senate, seeking its intervention to have the university authorities reinstate them. They maintain that they are innocent of the allegations against them.

Igwe’s petition was presented to the Senate through Senator Fadahunsi Adenigba, representing Osun East Senatorial District, while Oladeru’s petition was presented through Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District.

The committee’s invitation letter, signed by the Clerk to the committee, Umar Yabo Clerk, and backdated to November 15, states that the hearing was initially scheduled for November 14 but was postponed due to the strike action.

“Re: Invitation to the Public Hearing of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions in Respect of the Petition From Igwe Chukwuemeka Cyprian Against the University of Abuja for Alleged Wrongful Accusation, Detention and Rustication From the Institution

“I am directed to write and inform you that the committee’s hearing earlier scheduled for 14th November, 2023 which could not be held due to the strike action has been rescheduled as follows:

“Date: Tuesday, 21st November 2023; venue: Meeting Room 120, New Senate Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. Time: 3:00 pm,” the invitation letter read.

Oladeru expressed his hope that the Senate’s intervention would lead to their reinstatement and a review of the proposed fee hike to make university education more affordable for less privileged students.

Both Igwe and Oladeru, who were final-year students at the time of their expulsion, are awaiting their results and were due to proceed on the mandatory National Youth Service Corps program.

The university authorities had accused the students of inciting other students to protest against the proposed fee hike.