Demonstration Prompts OAU to Announce Temporary Closure for Three Weeks Mid-Semester

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has directed students to embark on a three-week mid-semester break, citing recent developments on campus as the reason for this decision.

n

This move comes after students, led by the Great Ife Students’ Union, staged a protest on Tuesday morning, barricading the main entrance of the school and the Ife-Ede road for over five hours to express their dissatisfaction with transportation issues and other welfare concerns.

n

The protest, which began on Tuesday morning, was sparked by the newly introduced transportation system, with students blocking access to the university for an extended period.

n

According to Abiodun Olarewaju, the Public Relations Officer, the University Senate approved the mid-semester break due to the escalation of protests into unruly conduct, including the obstruction of major roads and harassment of other road users.

n

Despite efforts to appeal for calm, the situation continued to pose concerns for the safety and well-being of the university community and the general public, prompting the Senate to direct the University Management to ask all students to proceed on a break.

n

The University Management will use this period to engage relevant stakeholders and address the concerns raised by the students, with the goal of restoring normalcy on campus.

n

Parents and guardians have been advised to take note of this development and make necessary arrangements for their children and wards, while students are encouraged to remain law-abiding and use this period responsibly.

n

The university has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of its students and to maintaining a peaceful and conducive academic environment for all, with further updates to be communicated as necessary.