Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has directed students to proceed on a three-week mid-semester break following growing protests over transportation and welfare challenges on campus.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the management said the decision was approved by the University Senate after student demonstrations escalated and began disrupting normal academic activities.
According to the statement, the break takes immediate effect and is intended to allow the institution address emerging concerns while restoring calm on campus.
The university explained that the situation became necessary after protests linked to a newly introduced transportation system led to road blockages and raised safety concerns for both students and other members of the university community.
“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,” the statement added.
The management urged students to remain peaceful during the break and assured that discussions would continue with relevant stakeholders to resolve the issues affecting campus life.
The decision follows a protest organised by the OAU Students’ Union, where students marched to demand urgent action over transportation difficulties, accommodation pressure, and delays associated with the university’s e-portal upgrade.
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At a congress held at Awo Café, the Students’ Union had resolved to stage a peaceful demonstration, insisting that major campus gates and roads would be blocked until their demands were addressed.
Students also expressed frustration over long waiting times linked to the introduction of compressed natural gas-powered buses recently deployed for intra-campus transportation. The buses were part of a donation aimed at improving mobility within the institution, but students say the rollout has created new logistical challenges.
With academic activities now suspended temporarily, attention has shifted to ongoing negotiations between student leaders and university management on how to resolve the crisis and restore normal operations.
