OAU convenes special Senate meeting as protests heat up

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has called for a special Senate meeting as protests heat up on the campus.

Thousands of students have stormed the campus gate, calling for a review of the new transport system, which students say has caused hardship.

In a memo seen by Third Lens on Tuesday, signed by the Principal Assistant Registrar, I.B. Aronkola, on behalf of the Registrar, the agenda of the meeting borders on “Report on the current situation on campus.”

The notice was directed to the Vice-Chancellor, the three Deputy Vice-Chancellors, and all members of the Senate.

The ‘Special Meeting of the Senate,’ scheduled for 12 p.m., is expected to address the ongoing protest on campus.

Third Lens gathered that the student leaders will be in the senate meeting. The stakes are high for both parties, as some alumni speculate that the management may announce school closure to douse tension. Others believe school closure would not be necessary, but attending to the students’ demands is key.

Third Lens earlier reported that the massive protest by students broke out on the campus this morning over the transportation crisis.

Members of the university management, including the Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, were later spotted at the protest, observing the students.

Thousands of students mobilised as they stormed the campus gate, both from within and outside.

They are currently calling for a review of the new 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.

As of 11.50 pm, Third Lens observed that some of the students were already playing football around the campus gate as academic activities became paralysed.

“We are not backing down until our demands are met,” a student, Anuoluwapo, said. “There will be no movement in and outside the campus.”

In the same vein, a team of lawyers from Alabi Legal Practitioners wrote to the management of Obafemi Awolowo University, warning against any attempt to victimise students for exercising their rights through protest.

In the letter directed to the DSA and the student body, signed by Ayokunmi Alabi, Adeniyi Fashoyin, and Rotimi Stephen, the lawyers condemned a release reportedly issued by the Division of Student Affairs, which described the students’ protest as “baseless” and “criminal.”

The lawyers vowed to take legal action against the university if students’ rights are violated.

Third Lens reported on Monday that the students commenced mobilisation for protests, which began early this morning.

The decision followed resolutions passed at a student congress on campus on Monday regarding the worsening transportation crisis.

According to a statement issued by the leadership of the Students’ Union, announcements and sensitisation commenced across the halls of residence immediately after the congress, which resolved to hold a peaceful demonstration to vent students’ concerns.

The congress resolved: “That the Students’ Union stage a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday, 28th April 2026, at 6 a.m., with the intention to block major roads and gates leading to the campus until our demands are met. Sensitisation across all halls of residence shall be done immediately after the adjournment of the congress.”

The management has defended the new transport policy, which took effect following the donation of fewer than 100 CNG buses to the school by the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the subsequent ban of the pre-existing buses and bikes.

The management insisted that the queues experienced were normal, citing Lagos and foreign transport systems where people queue when demand is higher.