OAU Students Shut Down Lectures Over Campus Transport Crisis

Students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, have embarked on a three-day boycott of lectures in response to ongoing transportation challenges affecting movement within the campus. The action, scheduled to run from April 14 to April 16, 2026, was approved by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) after a series of consultations, including a congress and internal deliberations among its leadership. The union explained that the decision reflects growing frustration among students over the inefficiency of the current transport arrangement. According to the union, the transportation system recently introduced on campus has not been able to meet the demands of the student population. Many students reportedly face daily difficulties commuting between lecture halls, hostels, and other parts of the university. The situation is often characterised by long queues at bus stops, limited availability of vehicles, and delays that interfere with lecture attendance and other academic responsibilities. The union further noted that the condition is more severe for students residing outside the campus, who depend on the system to access academic and social facilities within the university. With limited alternatives available, many of them are left with costly or unreliable transport options, thereby increasing the burden on their daily schedules. In its position, the SUG stated that it had previously engaged the university management on multiple occasions, seeking urgent intervention to ease the situation. While the management reportedly acknowledged the concerns and described the challenges as part of an adjustment phase, the union maintained that the pace of improvement has been slow and insufficient. As part of efforts to address the issue, the Students’ Union outlined several expectations. These include a significant increase in the number of operational vehicles, a review of the current transport structure, and the introduction of a system that accommodates the movement needs of students more effectively. The union also stressed the importance of involving student representatives in planning and decision-making processes related to transportation. The Students’ Union stated that the lecture boycott is intended to draw attention to the issue and compel swift action from the authorities. It added that the situation will be reviewed at the end of the three-day period, after which further steps may be considered if there is no meaningful response from the university management.