Beyond the Protest: OAU Students Question Adelani’s ‘New Era’ Promises Amid Welfare Concerns

Following the protest by students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), over welfare challenges, some students say the demonstration reflects deeper concerns about the leadership of Students’ Union President David Adelani. 

The protest, which followed an emergency congress, reflects growing frustration among students over rising costs, long queues, and persistent challenges with course registration and fee payments. 

Mr Adelani assumed office in August 2025, he pledged to prioritise the health system, improve learning conditions and secure a better future for students.

However, months into his tenure, students say there is little visible progress in these areas, raising concerns about the gap between his promises and current realities on campus. 

Growing criticism 

Interviews with Campus Reporter,  show a pattern of frustration among students over welfare conditions particularly transportation delays, rising accommodation costs, and  what they described as little engagement with the Union leaders. 

A student of the English department Francer Abisola described the situation as ‘disheartening’, adding that the Student Union she knew in her early days is no longer the same..  

She cited the current increase in the BVERS hostel rent, stating that about ₦100,000 was added, raising fees from  N230,000 to N330,000. 

Ms Abisola also highlighted transportation challenges, saying she often spends about an hour in queues before leaving campus. 

A student of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Asia Giwa, also criticised Mr Adelani’s leadership, saying  it falls short of expectations. 

She argued that the President has not demonstrated sufficient responsiveness to the students’ concerns. 

“A president who expects a fellow student to sit in his WhatsApp inbox to hear his side of the story, but still fails to provide answers, is not fit for the office,” she said.

“If he cannot offer physical support to a student facing a bike price hike near the Students’ Union Building, then he is not acting like a leader,” she added. 

Some students also questioned the president’s visibility. A linguistics student, Astral Alex, described Mr Adelani’s leadership as largely symbolic, adding that there has been little direct impact on students’ welfare.

An Accounting student Emmanuel Pere, spoke about the strain on existing facilities. “There have been new courses and faculties added, with no corresponding addition of lecture halls,” he said, explaining that the shortage has made it difficult for class representatives to secure venues for lectures.

While he described the president’s leadership style as conventional and forward-looking, Pere said the administration still has a responsibility to deliver on its promises. 

He added that achieving the goals outlined at inauguration should be a collective effort of the entire executive council, stressing that the current administration is expected to outperform its predecessors.

A Law student Abdilmoshod Ismail , said more inclusive governance and frequent congresses could restore confidence in Mr Adelani’s leadership, adding that many students “hardly know the president.”

He said he is unaware of any major achievements by the administration, describing Mr Adelani as an “office president” who has held only one emergency congress and rarely responds to students, even when tagged on important issues.

 Expectations and Role 

The office of Student Union presidency is widely regarded as a central leadership position within the university community, responsible for coordinating student activities, representing the interest of the students before the university management. 

Usually, the occupant of the office is expected to consistently engage with students and respond to issues affecting welfare and academic  life. 

Unfulfilled Promises 

Mr Adelani’s inaugural speech titled ‘A NEW ERA: A Legacy of Student Unionism with Purpose and Vision’ emphasised on proactive and transparent administration. 

“We shall not merely aspire. We shall act,” he said, promising to focus on  innovation, justice  and progress. 

However, students say there is little evidence these promises have translated to measurable outcomes. Concerns have been raised about the frequency of congresses and the level of communication between the  union leadership  and students. 

Mr Adelani Responds

When contacted, Mr Adelani acknowledged concerns about his visibility but maintained that leadership should not be judged solely by public appearances. 

 “I am not much of a public pronouncement person, so it’s obvious that I’m not that active on social media.” he said 

On healthcare, he said his administration had engaged with the university health center which resulted in increased staffing and improved patient experience. He said some charges previously borne by students have been removed. 

Regarding learning conditions, he pointed to ongoing discussions on hostel development projects and interventions in academic scheduling, including adjustments to examination timelines.

He also cited welfare initiatives such as food distribution and scholarship support for some students.

On accommodation issues, Mr Adelani noted that BVERS hostel is privately managed, limiting the Union’s control over rent increases, although he said engagements had been held with relevant stakeholders.

Addressing security concerns, he said the Union collaborated with law enforcement authorities to respond to incidents, adding that these efforts have improved safety on and around campus.

On transportation challenges, he attributed disruptions partly to ongoing reforms and resistance from some commercial operators, noting that the situation is being monitored.

Communication gaps

Mr Adelani admitted that communication could be improved and said the Union plans to increase engagement with students.

“We will be improving on the level of communication,” he said, adding that more congresses would be held to address students’ concerns and provide updates on Union activities.