OAU Declares Three-Week Break After Student Protest Over Transport Crisis
The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has announced a three-week mid-semester break following a protest by students over transportation challenges and welfare concerns on campus.
The decision, which takes immediate effect, was reached after days of mounting tension triggered by what students described as a worsening intra-campus transport system. The protest saw students block major roads and strategic points within the University, disrupting academic and administrative activities.
Global Mirror News gathered that the protest was spearheaded by the Students’ Union after several unresolved complaints, including long waiting hours for campus shuttle buses, increased transport fares, and the removal of alternative transport options such as motorcycles. Many students, particularly those living off-campus, were reportedly stranded daily due to inadequate transportation.
The situation escalated after the introduction of a new transport scheme involving compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses and tricycles. While the initiative was designed to modernize campus mobility, students argued that its implementation created more hardship due to limited availability and operational inefficiencies.
In addition to transportation issues, students also raised concerns over accommodation challenges and difficulties accessing academic services linked to the institution’s e-portal system. These grievances culminated in a coordinated protest, including a lecture boycott and ultimatums issued to the University management.
In a statement announcing the break, the University authorities directed all students to vacate the campus within the stipulated period, noting that the measure was necessary to restore calm and allow management engage relevant stakeholders toward resolving the issues.
Global Mirror News further reports that the transport crisis intensified following the withdrawal of older vehicles and restrictions on informal transport systems, which had previously supported student movement within and around the campus.
University officials have yet to provide a detailed roadmap for addressing the concerns raised by the students, but sources within the institution indicate that consultations are ongoing to review the transport policy and improve service delivery.
The three-week break is expected to temporarily ease tensions, though students insist that lasting peace will depend on concrete actions to address their demands.
