NANS Intervenes in OAU Transport Crisis, Demands One-Week Break, Utility Restoration

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, is demanding a reduction of the three-week mid-semester break declared by Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) to one week, alongside the immediate restoration of hostel utilities and assurances against victimisation of student leaders.

The student body is also calling for the suspension of the planned renovation of Awolowo Hall until the end of the academic session, as part of its intervention in the ongoing transport crisis at the university.

Crisis Triggered by Transport Protests and Shutdown Directive

The crisis began after OAU students staged a protest, blocking the university’s main gate to express dissatisfaction with a newly introduced transport system, which they say led to long queues, multiple stops, and increased stress.

In response, the university, through its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, announced a three-week mid-semester break, stating that the decision was necessary to maintain peace and safety within and outside the campus.

The Division of Student Affairs subsequently directed students to vacate halls of residence within hours. Electricity and water supply were cut in hostels, while the university health centre was limited to emergency services.

Students were seen trekking to the campus gate with their bags and luggage, as shuttle buses stopped operating.

NANS Steps In, Protests at Campus Gate

Reacting, NANS South-West Zone D, led by its coordinator, Josiah Adeyemo, issued a solidarity statement before mobilising to the campus on Wednesday morning.

At the university gate, Adeyemo criticised the handling of the situation, noting that the crisis could have been resolved internally.

“Parents work day and night to secure the future of their children and wards, but an internal issue that could have been resolved peacefully has escalated,” he said.

He added that students should not be denied their academic rights for engaging in peaceful protest.

“An injury to one is an injury to all. The future of Nigerian students will be determined by Nigerian students,” he stated, while clarifying that NANS’ presence was for mediation, and not confrontation.

NANS members later opened the campus gate and moved the protest to the Senate Building, demanding engagement with university authorities.

Management, NANS Meet

A joint meeting was subsequently held at Ajose Lecture Theatre involving NANS, Students’ Union representatives, and University Management.

The management team was led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Oluropo Akinfala, alongside the Dean of Student Affairs, John Odedire.

Opening the meeting, Akinfala urged student leaders to present their concerns constructively, referencing the history of student unionism.

On behalf of NANS, former coordinator Comrade Alao John emphasised that the intervention was focused on student welfare.

“There won’t be management without students,” he said, adding that the OAU Students’ Union did not invite NANS.

Adeyemo further stated that NANS had monitored the situation for weeks and was concerned about recent developments.

“OAU is not known for victimisation, but recent developments, including alleged threats to student leaders and the cutting off of utilities, are concerning,” he said.

Management Explains Transport Policy

Responding, Akinfala explained that the transport reform followed the donation of buses and tricycles and was introduced after consultations with stakeholders, including student representatives.

He said the system began as a three-month pilot on April 1, based on data suggesting improved efficiency.

“Before a Town Igboro bus completes one trip to Opa, university buses can complete about four trips,” he said, noting that a margin of error was considered.

However, he admitted that the system faced setbacks after private transport operators withdrew their services.

“The queues became embarrassing, stretching as far as Poplat Filling Station,” he acknowledged.

He added that measures such as passenger numbering and deployment of Marcopolo buses were introduced, while discussions with private investors, including electric bus providers, are ongoing.

Akinfala also noted that additional demand from secondary school students, agriculture students, and staff contributed to congestion.

The DVC, however, faulted the Students’ Union for insufficient engagement prior to implementation and alleged that the protest may have been influenced by political and financial interests.

NANS Demands and Management’s Response

In response, NANS presented four key demands, including the immediate restoration of hostel utilities, assurances against the victimisation of Students’ Union leaders, the suspension of the Awolowo Hall renovation until after the academic session, and a reduction of the three-week mid-semester break to one week.

Responding, the management of Obafemi Awolowo University clarified that the Awolowo Hall renovation involves minor repairs and assured that no students would be displaced during the academic session.

On utilities, management explained that electricity and water were cut to reduce costs during the break but agreed they would be restored.

On the duration of the break, Akinfala said the decision rests with the university Senate.

“We cannot unilaterally bring students back within one week. The Senate will have to reconvene to review that decision,” he said, noting that other scheduled activities, including the West African Universities Games, influenced the timeline.

The meeting ended with both parties agreeing on continued dialogue, as students and stakeholders await a possible Senate review of the mid-semester break and broader reforms to the transport system.