Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has declared a three-week break for students after a peaceful protest over ongoing transportation and welfare challenges on campus.
The demonstration took place on Tuesday, with students assembling as early as 6 a.m. at the main gate to voice frustration about the recently introduced CNG-powered bus and tricycle system.
Students reported long queues, overcrowding, delays, and increased transportation costs, all of which have made movement across the expansive campus more difficult.
This protest follows a 72-hour lecture boycott held in mid-April, also triggered by transportation concerns.
In addition, students expressed dissatisfaction with mid-semester evictions from sections of Awolowo Hall and delays in the e-portal system affecting course registration and access to results.
In a statement, the Students’ Union described the protest as peaceful and consistent with the institution’s traditions, while calling on university management to urgently improve transport services by increasing the number of vehicles and expanding route coverage.
The three-week break is viewed as a step by management to reduce tensions and create space to address the issues raised. Students have been instructed to vacate the campus while discussions are ongoing.
The development underscores the challenges universities face in implementing infrastructure changes without disrupting academic activities.