OAU Students Announce 72-Hour Lecture Boycott Over Transport Crisis
Students at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, have declared a 72-hour lecture boycott in protest against what they describe as an inadequate and poorly implemented campus transportation system. This system is linked to vehicles donated by Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu. The boycott is scheduled to run from Tuesday, April 14 to Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Union Resolution and Demands
The decision was announced in a resolution issued by the Students' Union Government (SUG) following a congress held on April 9 and subsequent joint meetings. In a statement co-signed by SUG President Adelani David and Secretary-General Habeeb Oke, the union cited mounting frustration over mobility challenges that have disrupted academic activities and daily movement.
The students accuse the newly introduced transport system of worsening commuting conditions, highlighting:
- Insufficient number of vehicles
- Overcrowding and long waiting times
- Inadequate route coverage
The situation has been particularly challenging for off-campus students, who now rely on limited and more expensive alternatives. The SUG noted that repeated engagements with university management have not yielded immediate solutions, despite assurances that the system is in a transitional teething phase.
Key Demands and Potential Escalation
Among the union's demands are:
- Deployment of more vehicles to cater to over 35,000 students
- Temporary reinstatement of the previous transport arrangement
- Full consultation with student leaders before policy changes
- Adoption of a more inclusive, hybrid transport model
The union warned that failure to address these concerns within the 72-hour window could lead to an escalation, including a mass protest. The leadership shall review the situation at the end of the boycott, the statement added, indicating further actions may be considered if demands are not met.
Background and University Response
The protest follows the donation of 80 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and tricycles by the First Lady, aimed at improving campus transportation. However, after the donation, the university restricted intra-campus transportation to these new vehicles. While initially welcomed as a modernization effort, students report operational challenges such as long queues and insufficient fleet availability during peak hours.
The SUG also expressed concern over the exclusion of commercial transport operators, which has further limited mobility options. University authorities have described the situation as temporary and promised additional buses in the coming months, but students insist commuting conditions remain difficult, prompting this boycott as a pressure measure for urgent action.
