Students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on Tuesday staged a coordinated and peaceful protest across campus, demanding urgent intervention from the university management over ongoing welfare and academic challenges.
The demonstration, led by the Students’ Union, drew a large turnout of students who marched through major campus routes, chanting solidarity songs and calling for a return to normal academic and social conditions.
According to the union leadership, the protest followed resolutions reached during a congress held at Awo Café, where students unanimously agreed to take action over persistent issues affecting their daily lives.
In an official statement signed by the Students’ Union President, Adelani David, and General Secretary, Habeeb Oke Isa, the protest was described as peaceful and in line with the long-standing tradition of non-violent engagement among OAU students.
The union noted that the demonstration aimed to draw attention to key concerns, including transportation difficulties, inadequate accommodation planning, and delays caused by the institution’s e-portal upgrade.
Students have particularly expressed frustration over mobility challenges linked to the recent introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses and tricycles.
While the initiative was intended to improve campus transportation, many students report long queues, delays, and restricted movement due to limited availability of the new vehicles.
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Tensions were further heightened by the university’s proposed mid-semester evacuation of students from Awolowo Hall Blocks 7 and 8 for renovation.
The Students’ Union criticised the move as poorly planned, citing a lack of adequate notice and absence of alternative accommodation for affected students.
In addition, the ongoing e-portal upgrade has disrupted essential academic processes, leaving many students unable to register for courses or access their results weeks into the semester.
Despite mounting frustration, the union reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and order, urging students to remain disciplined throughout the protest.
However, it warned that students’ patience is wearing thin, calling on the university management to provide immediate, practical, and sustainable solutions to the issues raised.
The protest comes shortly after a suspended 72-hour lecture boycott earlier in April, signaling growing dissatisfaction among students over unresolved concerns impacting both academic activities and general welfare on campus.
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