Students at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, have declared a 72-hour lecture boycott to protest a newly implemented transport system that has caused significant mobility issues and increased costs.
The boycott, scheduled to run from Tuesday, April 14, to Thursday, April 16, 2026, follows weeks of mounting frustration regarding the university’s recent transportation changes.
The crisis stems from a new arrangement introduced on March 29, following a donation of buses and tricycles by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
While the initiative was intended to enhance campus mobility, the rollout has instead triggered widespread disruption.
According to student reports, the withdrawal of commercial “Town-Gboro” buses from campus routes shortly after the rollout has led to a sharp spike in transportation fares in surrounding areas.
Students have also cited severe overcrowding, long wait times, and increasing difficulty accessing off-campus locations.
The Students’ Union initially observed one week to allow for dialogue with university management.
However, after failing to see meaningful improvements, the Union escalated its response.
The boycott decision was finalised following a congress at Faj Café, where the Central Executive Council (CEC), Hall Executive Council (HEC), and Students’ Representative Council (SRC) reached a joint resolution.
In a statement signed by Union President Adelani David Oluwatodimu and Secretary General Habeeb Oke Isa, the Union cited inadequate coverage, a shortage of vehicles and drivers, and extreme overcrowding as primary concerns.
“Despite several engagements with the university management and repeated assurances, the situation remains unresolved,” the union stated.
The student body is demanding that management provide sufficient vehicles, reintroduce the previous transport system as an interim measure, and ensure students are involved in future transport-related decision-making.
The Union warned that if these demands are not met within the 72-hour window, they will escalate the movement to a mass protest.
