OAU Students Stage Protest Over Transport Crisis

Students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, have begun a planned protest over the institution’s ongoing transport challenges, following a resolution by the Students’ Union.

The demonstration, which commenced in the early hours of Tuesday, April 28, 2026, was agreed upon during a congress held on April 27 at Awo Café, with the union issuing its official statement the same day 

As at the time of filing in this report, students have gathered at the campus gate, with reports indicating attempts to block major roads and entry in line with earlier resolutions.

The Students’ Union had stated that the protest would begin at 6:00 a.m., emphasising that it would be peaceful and organised in line with the tradition of non-violent demonstrations associated with Great Ife students.

Union leaders are overseeing coordination efforts, while prior sensitisation campaigns across halls of residence appear to have mobilised significant student participation.

The planned protest follows weeks of complaints from students over a newly introduced transport system, which many say has worsened commuting conditions on campus. Reported issues include insufficient vehicles, overcrowding, long waiting times, and increased transportation costs.

Earlier in April, the union declared a 72-hour lecture boycott from April 14 to 16 to protest the situation, warning that further action, including mass demonstrations, would follow if no improvements were made.

The union has continued to stress that the protest is aimed at drawing urgent attention to mobility challenges affecting students’ academic and daily activities.

Students have also been urged to remain peaceful, disciplined, and united throughout the demonstration.

As of the time of filing this report, university management has not issued an official response to the ongoing protest or the concerns raised by students.

The situation remains fluid as the protest continues and students await possible engagement or intervention from the authorities.