The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has officially hit the pause button on the academic calendar, directing students to proceed on a mandatory three-week mid-semester break.
This sudden directive follows a wave of student protests on Tuesday, triggered by the introduction of a new transportation system on campus.
The university’s Senate approved the decision with immediate effect, as confirmed in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju. The institution cited the need to maintain order after the demonstrations escalated into what officials described as unruly conduct that disrupted the peace of the university community.
According to the management, the protests went beyond peaceful assembly, involving the obstruction of major access roads and the harassment of other road users. The statement noted, “Following recent developments on campus, the Senate of the University has approved that the students proceed on a mid-semester break for a period of three weeks, with immediate effect.”
The university explained that while they initially attempted to engage with the protesters to find common ground, their appeals for calm were largely ignored. As the situation evolved, the administration felt the safety and well-being of both the staff and the general public were being put at risk.
“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 and the public,” the university added. This safety concern was the primary driver behind the Senate’s decision to clear the campus temporarily.
As part of the strict directive, all students have been ordered to pack their bags and vacate their halls of residence immediately. The campus, usually buzzing with academic activity, is now being cleared out to prevent any further escalation of the transport-related grievances.
University leadership views this three-week window as a cooling-off period intended to restore order and facilitate “meaningful dialogue” with stakeholders. The management stated, “During this period, the University Management will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised and ensure that normalcy is restored on campus.”
Parents and guardians have been advised to keep a close eye on the development and assist their wards in making travel arrangements. Meanwhile, the university urged the departing students to remain law-abiding and use this unexpected hiatus responsibly until the institution is ready to reopen its gates.
