OAU Closes for Three Weeks Amid Student Protests

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile Ife, Osun State, has announced a three-week mid-semester break due to escalating student protests against a newly introduced transport system. The decision, approved by the university senate, took immediate effect as stated in a release from the institution's public relations office, issued by Abiodun Olarewaju.

The protests were characterized by unruly conduct on campus, including the obstruction of major access roads and alleged harassment of road users in the vicinity of the university. Despite efforts to engage with students and appeal for calm, safety concerns continued to rise among members of the university community.

Consequently, the management instructed all students to vacate their residential halls immediately. The break aims to restore order and create an environment for dialogue with relevant stakeholders.

The university management will continue to engage during this period to address the concerns raised and ensure normalcy is restored on campus. Parents and guardians have been advised to make necessary arrangements for their wards and to urge them to remain law-abiding during the break.