The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has directed all students to proceed on a three-week mid-semester break following protests by students over transportation and welfare concerns on campus.
The decision, approved by the University Senate, was announced in a press statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, who said the measure takes immediate effect and applies to all students.
According to the statement, the move 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 alleged 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,” the statement noted.
The University Senate, in response, directed management to temporarily shut down academic activities and ask students to vacate campus in the interest of restoring order and ensuring safety.
While announcing the break, the University said the period would be used to engage relevant stakeholders and address the concerns raised by students, with a view to restoring normal academic activities as soon as possible.
Parents and guardians have been advised to make necessary arrangements for their wards, while students were urged to remain law-abiding and use the break responsibly.
The management reaffirmed its commitment to student welfare and maintaining a peaceful, conducive academic environment, adding that further updates would be communicated in due course.
