The Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has announced a 72-hour lecture boycott in protest against what it described as the failure of the institution’s newly introduced transportation system.
The decision was reached after a Congress held on April 9 at Fajuyi Hall Café, followed by a joint meeting involving the Central Executive Council (CEC), Hall Executive Council (HEC), and the Students’ Representative Council (SRC).
According to the Union, the boycott will commence on Tuesday, April 14, and run through Thursday, April 16, 2026, with all academic activities expected to be suspended during the period.
The Union leadership said the action followed a one-week “observatory mode” during which students assessed the performance of the new transport system introduced by the university management.
In its resolution, the Union accused the current system of subjecting students to difficult conditions, including inadequate campus coverage, shortage of buses and tricycles, overcrowding, and insufficient drivers.
Despite what it described as multiple engagements and assurances from the university management, the Union stated that there has been no significant improvement in the situation.
To address the concerns, the students outlined key demands, including the immediate provision of additional vehicles to serve the over 35,000 students within the university community.
They also called for the temporary reinstatement of the previous transport system pending the full deployment of sufficient vehicles under the new arrangement.
The Union further demanded a comprehensive restructuring of the transport scheme to ensure affordability, accessibility, and efficiency for all students across campus.
In addition, student leaders insisted that the university management must involve the Students’ Union in future decisions affecting campus transportation.
The Union warned that failure by the authorities to meet these demands within the 72-hour window could lead to further actions, including a mass protest or demonstration.
Students have been urged to comply fully with the boycott, which the Union described as a peaceful and legitimate struggle aimed at improving student welfare.
The development adds to growing concerns over student mobility within Nigerian universities, where transportation systems are increasingly becoming a critical aspect of campus life and academic accessibility.
