Students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) have come out in their numbers today to protest against poor transport systems in the institution.
ENigeria Newspaper learnt that not only did the students protest against a dysfunctional transport system, they also boycotted lectures for 72 hours to show their displeasure towards the school management.
The decision, according to a circular signed on Monday by union president Adelani Oluwatodimu and secretary-general Habeeb Isa, came after a number of discussions with the university’s student leadership departments.
The student body called for the prompt return of the current transportation system and sought the deployment of additional vehicles to accommodate the more than 35,000 members of the university community.
In addition, the students’ union demanded “full consultation with the Students’ Union leadership before any further major changes to campus transportation” and “proper implementation of the new transport system to guarantee adequate, affordable, and reliable intra-campus mobility for all students.”
This protest comes as a big contrasting, unexpected situation as the school had, just last week, commended and appreciated in an announcement that First Lady Remi Tinubu on Thursday, January 29, 2026, donated 50 shuttle buses and 40 tricycles to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, in a move aimed at improving campus transportation and enhancing student welfare.
ENigeria Newspaper can confirm that during the event, representatives of the OAU Students’ Union displayed a portrait of Senator Tinubu as a token of gratitude for her support. Later, the First Lady visited and examined a number of the Oluremi Tinubu Dream Center’s amenities with the Ooni of Ife and the Director-General of NITDA.
The university officials even noted that the additional shuttle buses and tricycles would significantly reduce campus transportation issues, and the Dream Center would function as a center for study, creativity, and student empowerment.
“Your support and steadfastness remain our greatest strength. We also call on all well-meaning stakeholders and sister unions to support this peaceful and legitimate struggle for improved student welfare,” the circular added.
The union called on all university stakeholders and students to participate completely in the 72-hour lecture boycott.
It now remains to be seen if the seen what conditions or use the donated motorcycles are to the aggrieved students. Also, ENigeria Newspaper can confirm that the school authorities have not responded to the union body as at the time of filing this report.
