DistantNews
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Energy & Infrastructure

OAU announces three-week break after students’ transport protest

From The Punch · (6m ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Obafemi Awolowo University management has ordered a three-week mid-semester break for students.
  • The decision follows protests over transportation issues and welfare concerns, which led to the obstruction of campus access roads.
  • The break is intended to facilitate dialogue with stakeholders and restore normalcy, with students urged to remain law-abiding.

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University has taken the decisive step of closing campus for a three-week mid-semester break. This action, approved by the Senate, comes after student protests escalated, disrupting normal campus operations and access roads. The demonstrations were sparked by dissatisfaction with a new transportation system and other welfare issues, including accommodation and the e-portal upgrade.

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.

— Abiodun Olarewajustatement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer

The university's Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that the break is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the university community and the public. It will provide a crucial window for dialogue with all stakeholders to resolve the issues peacefully and restore normalcy.

Despite efforts to engage and appeal for calm, the situation has continued to pose concerns for the safety and well-being of members of the University community and the public.

— Abiodun Olarewajustatement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer

While the university aims to address the students' concerns through this measure, the protests highlight underlying tensions regarding student welfare and the implementation of new systems. The administration urges students to remain calm and law-abiding during this period, emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement to find lasting solutions.

The demonstration shall be conducted peacefully… with the intention to block major roads and gates leading to the campus until our demands are met.

— OAU Students’ Union resolutionresolution from a congress held at Awo Café approving the demonstration
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog