The student union of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun state, has declared a 72-hour lecture boycott over poor transportation system on campus.
In a circular on Monday signed by Adelani Oluwatodimu, the union president, and Habeeb Isa, secretary-general, the students said the decision followed a series of meetings held with various student leadership departments in the university.
The union said the transportation system recently introduced by the university management has subjected students to “severe conditions,” including inadequate coverage of the campus persistent shortage of operational tricycles and buses, overcrowding and discomfort, and insufficient drivers.
The union noted that despite several engagements with the University management and repeated assurances, the situation remains unresolved.
The students’ body demanded provision of more vehicles to cater for the over 35,000 members of the University community, and called for the immediate reintroduction of the existing transport system.
The students also asked for the “proper implementation of the new transport system to guarantee adequate, affordable, and reliable intra-campus mobility for all students,” and insisted on “full consultation with the Students’ Union leadership before any further major changes to campus transportation”.
The union directed students to boycott all academic activities from Tuesday to Thursday, warning that “further actions such as a possible mass protest/march shall be considered if the management fails to address the demands satisfactorily within this period”.
The union urged all students and stakeholders within the university to comply fully with the 72-hour lecture boycott.
.“Your support and steadfastness remain our greatest strength. We also call on all well-meaning stakeholders and sister unions to support this peaceful and legitimate struggle for improved student welfare,” the circular added.
