UPDATED: Residents of Obafemi Awolowo Hall, OAU, Face Imminent Eviction as Dean Clarifies Renovation Plan

Residents of  Awolowo Hall at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife are facing an imminent eviction following a late night announcement by hall executives on Thursday, April 23, 2026

The Chairman of the hall, Lateef Omotayo, alongside other executive members, informed occupants that  renovation work will commence 24 hours later, beginning with residents from block 7 and 8.

According to the notice, the directive was issued by the university management, mandating the immediate evacuation of affected students. While the renovation is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 27, residents were asked to vacate the premises by Friday April 24.

The announcement has attracted widespread dissatisfaction among students, many of who described the move is impromptu, poorly planned and inconsiderate. 

Residents raised concerns about the prior notice and the absence of adequate arrangements, particularly given the ongoing changes with the university’s accommodation and transport systems. 

In response, an emergency meeting was convened at Awo Café, where residents, especially those from Blocks 7 and 8 expressed strong opposition to the directive. 

Many described the decision as insensitive and lacking in student-centered consideration, noting that overcrowding in other hostel blocks makes relocation difficult and, in some cases, unfeasible.

Students also expressed broader concerns about welfare, arguing that the situation reflects a pattern of neglect and insufficient engagement with student needs.

Tensions escalated as hundreds of residents staged a peaceful protest, marching from Awo Café to the Student Union building to demand immediate intervention.

The protesting students called on the Dean of Student Affairs to address residents directly at Awolowo Hall and provide clarity on the situation, as well as possible alternatives to ease the impact of the eviction.

Hall Residents Speak

Several affected students shared their concerns about the directive and its implications.

Victor Adeoye, an occupant of Block 7, described the decision as “absurd and out of point,” noting that students had paid for accommodation for the full academic session.

“When I paid for my bed space, the agreement was for the whole session, not just a semester. The management makes decisions and expects students to comply without question,” he said.

He also expressed concern about the ultimatum given to residents.

“What do they mean by asking us to vacate immediately? If we don’t leave before Monday, it becomes another issue entirely.”

Another resident, Fikayo Adeife, a Part I Law student, highlighted the academic impact of the sudden directive.

“This disruption affects my study time and daily routine. It creates unnecessary stress, especially when you have to start looking for another place to stay at short notice,” she said.

A Block 8 occupant who requested anonymity acknowledged the importance of renovation but criticised its timing and execution.

“We appreciate efforts to improve the hostel, but carrying out a renovation in the middle of a semester without prior notice is unacceptable. The approach is unfair to affected students,” he said.

Similarly, another student, Israel, said the announcement left him confused and frustrated, particularly as a first-time campus resident.

“There are almost 300 students in these blocks. Where are they expected to go? The management should have considered waiting until the end of the session before starting the renovation,” he said.

Management  Reacts

When contacted, the Hall Chairman confirmed that discussions were ongoing but did not provide an official position on the matter. He, however, noted that a meeting between university management and Awolowo Hall residents had been scheduled for Friday evening to address concerns and seek a resolution.

Responding to the situation, the Dean of Students Affairs, John Odedire, said the controversy stemmed from a miscommunication between the University management and the hall executives.

According to him, the management had informed representatives of the hall that renovation work on Blocks 7 and 8 would commence the following week, as part of a time-bound project funded through a federal government intervention.

In his words, “we invited the hall executives and informed them that the renovation of Blocks 7 and 8 would begin next week. The project is tied to funding that must be utilised within a specific timeframe,” he explained.’’

He clarified that the initial plan was for occupants of Block 7 to temporarily relocate to other blocks within the hall while renovation work is carried out, after which the same arrangement would apply to Block 8.

“We did not instruct students to vacate the hall entirely. The idea is to create a win-win situation, ensuring students benefit from improved facilities while we do not lose the intervention opportunity from the Federal Government,” he added.

The Dean further stated that the renovation is expected to last between four to six weeks, covering both blocks. He assured students that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeframe and encouraged them to cooperate with the process.

He also urged residents to remain patient, noting that the renovation is intended to improve living conditions within the hall.