OAU declares three-week mid-semester break amid student protests
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has directed students to proceed on a three-week mid-semester break following escalating protests over transportation and welfare concerns on campus. In a statement issued on
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has directed students to proceed on a three-week mid-semester break following escalating protests over transportation and welfare concerns on campus.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the institution said the decision was approved by the Senate after student demonstrations intensified.
“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,” the statement read.
The management explained that the decision became necessary after protests over a newly introduced transportation arrangement disrupted key access routes within the campus and raised safety concerns for 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,” it added.
The university said the break would provide room for dialogue with stakeholders and the restoration of normalcy on campus, while urging students to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
The decision follows a protest organised by the OAU Students’ Union, during which students marched to demand urgent intervention over transport difficulties, accommodation challenges, and delays linked to the institution’s e-portal upgrade.
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A congress held at Awo Café had earlier approved the protest, with the union insisting it would remain peaceful but disruptive until demands were addressed.
“The demonstration shall be conducted peacefully… with the intention to block major roads and gates leading to the campus until our demands are met,” the resolution stated.
Students also criticised the planned evacuation from Awolowo Hall and disruptions caused by the ongoing e-portal upgrade, which they said affected course registration and result access.
The unrest was further fuelled by complaints over long queues following the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses for intra-campus transportation, part of a system supported by a donation of buses by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
However, students argued that the implementation has created new challenges, ultimately triggering the protests and the university’s decision to shut down academic activities temporarily.
