The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has imposed a three-week closure following protests by students over the transport crisis on the campus.
This is according to a Tuesday release by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, who stated that “the decision became necessary after a series of protests by students over the newly introduced transportation system escalated into unruly conduct, including the obstruction of major access roads and harassment of other road users.”
He said the management “wishes to inform parents, guardians, alumni, and the general public that, following recent developments on campus, 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.”
He added that despite efforts to engage and appeal for calm, the situation had continued to pose concerns for the safety and well-being of members of the university community and the public.
While the demands of the students linger, the management said that during the three-week closure, “the University Management will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised and to ensure that normalcy is restored on campus.”
The decision followed a special Senate meeting held hours after the students began the protest.
However, the Students’ Union, in a statement, said the protest remained strictly within the campus gate axis.
“At no point did the demonstration extend to any major road or disrupt public traffic beyond the immediate university vicinity. The exercise was orderly, controlled, and devoid of violence, harassment, or any form of misconduct,” the union said in a statement signed by the President, Habeeb Isa, and other executives.
The Students’ Union said it therefore found it deeply concerning and a misrepresentation that the management characterised the protest as “unruly” and alleged obstruction of major access roads and harassment of road users. “These claims do not reflect the reality of what transpired.”
They added that the decision to mandate a mid-semester break with immediate effect raises serious questions about the university’s commitment to student welfare and constructive engagement.
“Sending students home for peacefully agitating for better living and learning conditions sets a troubling precedent and should be interpreted as an attempt to suppress legitimate student voices,” the union said.
“In light of this, we call on all meaningful stakeholders: alumni, parents, civil society organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians, to come to the aid of OAU students and lend their voices against what can only be described as high-handed and unjust treatment of students advocating for their welfare.”
Third Lens reports that thousands of students had stormed the campus gate, calling for a review of the new transport system, which they say has caused hardship.
They also called for a review of the transport policy introduced by the management, which has led to many students waiting for long periods to board the limited CNG buses.
They chanted solidarity songs and held placards bearing inscriptions such as “New system of transport is not working. No to oppression,” “Save OAU: Fix the transport system,” “No renovation of Awo Hall during session,” and “No to eviction of students,” among others.
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