Students of Obafemi Awolowo University Students’ Union staged a peaceful protest on campus on Tuesday, calling on the university management to urgently address lingering welfare and academic challenges affecting their daily lives.
Large crowds of students were seen marching and chanting near the university’s main gate, insisting that their demonstration was non-violent and aimed at restoring normal conditions on campus.
The protest followed a resolution reached during a congress held on Monday at Awo Café, where students unanimously agreed to embark on the demonstration.
In a statement signed by the Students’ Union leadership, including President Adelani David and General Secretary Habeeb Oke Isa, the union stressed that the protest would adhere strictly to the tradition of peaceful engagement associated with “Great Ife” students.
According to the statement, the protest began in the early hours of Tuesday, with students moving to block major roads and entry points into the campus until their concerns are addressed.
The demonstration is coming amid growing frustration over several issues, including transportation difficulties, accommodation challenges, and delays caused by the institution’s ongoing e-portal upgrade.
The union had earlier opposed plans by the university management to evacuate students from Awolowo Hall Blocks 7 and 8 mid-semester for renovation, describing the move as ill-timed and lacking adequate preparation or alternative housing arrangements.
Students also expressed concern over the e-portal upgrade, noting that many have been unable to register for courses or access academic records weeks into the semester.
While reiterating their commitment to peaceful dialogue, the union warned that students’ patience was wearing thin and urged the management to provide immediate and practical solutions.
The protest also comes on the heels of recent transportation reforms on campus, including the introduction of compressed natural gas-powered vehicles. The initiative, supported by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, involved the donation of buses and tricycles to ease mobility.
However, many students say the changes have instead worsened movement across campus, citing long queues and delays due to restrictions limiting transport to the new vehicles.
The Students’ Union had earlier suspended a 72-hour lecture boycott held in mid-April over similar concerns, but tensions appear to have resurfaced as students continue to demand swift intervention from the university authorities.
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