By Ismail Azeez
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has shut down the university campus following a transportaion crisis.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Institution ordered students to proceed on three weeks mid-semester break following protests demanding additional buses to ease transportation challenges on campus.
The Students on Tuesday holding placards with different inscriptions blocked the university’s main gate while singing solidarity songs.
Speaking on behalf of the students, the Deputy Speaker of the Students’ Union, Mr Nasiru Olajide said that the protest was aimed at drawing the attention of the university management to the transportation crisis confronting students.
He added that as responsible students, the demonstration was peaceful and focused solely on the transport challenges on campus.
“We appreciate the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for donating 50 buses and 30 tricycles to ease transportation on campus. However, these buses are insufficient for the student population, and most of the existing buses are in poor condition.”
“We need more vehicles. We are calling on philanthropists, government officials and other stakeholders to support us with additional buses,” he said.
Olajide also appealed to the university management to provide alternative accommodation for students in AWO Hostel, who had been asked to vacate the facility for renovation.
Reacting, the University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that the decision to shut down became necessary after a series of protests by students over the newly introduced transportation system escalated into unruly conduct, including the obstruction of major access roads and harassment of other road users.
“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 in particular and the public in general.”
“Consequently, and in the interest of restoring order, ensuring safety and creating an enabling environment for meaningful dialogue, Senate has directed the University Management to ask all students to proceed on a two-week break with immediate effect.”
“During this period, the University Management will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised and to ensure that normalcy is restored on campus.”
“Accordingly, parents and guardians are kindly advised to take note of this development and make the necessary arrangements for their children and wards,” the statement read.