OAU shuts down, announces three-week break after transport protest

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has directed students to proceed on a three-week mid-semester break following protests over transportation and welfare challenges on campus.

 

The decision, announced on Tuesday in a statement by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, was approved by the university Senate after demonstrations by students escalated.

 

“The Senate of the university has approved that the students proceed on a mid-semester break for a period of three weeks, with immediate effect,” the statement read.

 

The management said the move became necessary after protests over a newly introduced transportation system led to the obstruction of major access roads and harassment of road users.

 

“Despite efforts to engage and appeal for calm, the situation has continued to pose concerns for the safety and well-being of members of the University community and the public,” it added.

 

According to the university, the break is intended to create room for dialogue with relevant stakeholders and restore normalcy on campus.

 

The development follows a protest by the Students’ Union, during which students marched in large numbers to demand urgent action on transportation, accommodation, and issues linked to the institution’s e-portal.

 

A resolution from a congress held at Awo Café had approved the protest.

 

“The demonstration shall be conducted peacefully… with the intention to block major roads and gates leading to the campus until our demands are met,” the union stated.

 

Students had also criticised plans for mid-semester evacuation from Awolowo Hall, as well as disruptions caused by the ongoing e-portal upgrade, which they said affected course registration and access to results.

 

The protest was triggered by mounting complaints over long queues and delays following the introduction of compressed natural gas-powered buses for intra-campus transport, donated by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.