OAU undergrads launch 3-day classroom strike in protest of commute disruptions

A 72-hour lecture boycott has been initiated by the Students' Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, in response to issues with transportation, coinciding with the commencement of operations of buses donated by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady.

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The university's spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, had previously requested that the students' union leadership allow the management time to resolve issues stemming from the deployment of 50 buses and 30 tricycles for student transportation within the campus.

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A statement issued by the union's President and Secretary, Adelani David and Habeeb Oke, on April 13, directed students to boycott all academic activities from Monday to Thursday, April 16th, 2026, following a one-week observation period and a joint meeting of the Central Executive Council, Hall Executive Council, and the leadership of the Students' Representative Council.

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The students' leadership cited the current transportation system's inadequacies, including insufficient campus coverage, persistent shortages of operational tricycles and buses, overcrowding, discomfort, and a lack of drivers, as reasons for the boycott.

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The union is demanding the provision of more vehicles to accommodate the over 35,000 members of the university community, as well as the immediate reinstatement of the existing transport system until additional buses are introduced.

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Further demands include the proper implementation of the new transport system to ensure adequate, affordable, and reliable mobility for all students, and full consultation with the Students' Union leadership before implementing any further significant changes to campus transportation.

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The Students' Union leadership has announced that it will reassess the situation at the end of the 72-hour boycott and consider a possible mass protest or march if the management fails to satisfactorily address their demands within the given timeframe.