The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has directed students to proceed on a three-week mid-semester break following a protest by students over transportation challenges that rocked the campus on Tuesday.
In a statement issued by the university’s spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, the institution said the decision to suspend academic activities was taken after the protest escalated into what it described as unruly conduct.
According to the statement, the demonstration led to the obstruction of major access roads within and around the university, as well as the harassment of road users, raising serious concerns about safety.
“The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, wishes to inform parents, guardians, alumni, and the general public that following recent developments on campus, 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 university explained that despite efforts to engage the protesting students and appeal for calm, the situation continued to pose risks to the safety and well-being of members of the university community and the public.
It added that the break would provide an opportunity to restore order on campus and create room for meaningful dialogue between the management and relevant stakeholders to address the issues raised.
Olarewaju assured that during the period, the university would intensify consultations aimed at resolving the concerns surrounding the newly introduced transportation system and other grievances, with the goal of restoring academic normalcy.
The management also called on parents and guardians to take note of the development, urging students to remain law-abiding during the break.
The protest, led by the Students’ Union earlier on Tuesday, saw students gather at the institution’s main entrance, rejecting the new transportation policy. Protesters displayed placards with messages such as “New system of transportation is not working,” “We need a system that works,” and “Students are the biggest stakeholders, listen to us.”
The students had also demanded the provision of more vehicles for public use within the campus and opposed a proposed plan by the management to renovate parts of the Obafemi Awolowo Hall of Residence, which would require the eviction of occupants of Blocks 7 and 8 during the ongoing academic session.