The Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has begun a 72-hour boycott of lectures over challenges linked to the campus transportation system introduced by the university management, following the deployment of buses donated by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
According to Vanguard, university spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, had earlier appealed to the student leadership to be patient, explaining that management was working to resolve operational issues arising from the introduction of 50 buses and 30 tricycles meant to ease movement within the campus.
Despite the appeal, the Students’ Union announced the boycott after what it described as a week-long observation period and a joint meeting involving its Central Executive Council, Hall Executive Council, and Students’ Representative Council.
The industrial action is scheduled to run from Monday to Thursday, April 16, 2026.
The union said the current transport arrangement has caused serious difficulties for students, including limited coverage across the campus, a shortage of available vehicles, overcrowding, discomfort, and an insufficient number of drivers.
It called on the university management to increase the number of buses and tricycles to adequately serve the more than 35,000 students on campus, temporarily restore the previous transport system until additional vehicles are provided, properly implement a more efficient and affordable transport structure, and ensure student representatives are consulted before any further changes are made.
The union added that it would reassess the situation after the 72-hour boycott and warned that further action, including a possible mass protest, could follow if the issues are not addressed.
