Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) welcomed the First Lady, Senator Dr. Oluremi Tinubu, CON, on Thursday, January 29, for the official commissioning of the 50 buses and 30 tricycles she promised to the university. The promise was made during her conferment with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration at the 48th convocation ceremony of the University on December 14, 2024.
Senator Dr. Oluremi Tinubu, an alumna of the University, had expressed her concern over the heavy use of motorcycles on campus, noting that it was not safe or befitting of a modern university. She pledged to support the school by donating shuttle buses to improve mobility.
In fulfilment of the promise, OAU received 21 brand-new shuttle buses from the First Lady on October 10, 2025, as the first phase of the buses, aimed at improving transportation within the campus. The Great Ife Students’ Union confirmed on January 9 that all 80 vehicles promised by the First Lady had been delivered to the school management.
The Union stated that the operation of the new transportation system was 90% completed, with the delay attributed to the fueling system of the vehicles for sustainable operation. The CNG charging station was completed, while the electric charging station was almost completed.
The commissioning ceremony was a significant milestone for OAU, marking a major improvement in campus transportation. The buses and tricycles are expected to enhance the overall student experience and provide a safer, more efficient mode of transportation.
Senator Dr. Oluremi Tinubu’s donation is a testament to her commitment to supporting education and improving the infrastructure of her alma mater. The University community has welcomed the gesture, which is expected to boost morale and contribute to a more conducive learning environment.
The First Lady’s initiative aligns with the University’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and provide a better quality of life for students and staff. The commissioning of the buses and tricycles is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The University management has expressed gratitude to Senator Dr. Oluremi Tinubu for her generosity and commitment to supporting OAU. The students and staff are expected to benefit greatly from this initiative.
