OAU Students Begin 72-Hour Lecture Boycott Over Campus Transport Crisis

The Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University has commenced a 72-hour lecture boycott in protest against transportation challenges following the rollout of newly introduced campus buses and tricycles.

The boycott, which began on Monday, was announced in a statement dated April 13, 2026, and jointly signed by Students’ Union President Adelani David and Secretary Habeeb Oke.

According to the union, students have been directed to suspend all academic activities until Thursday, April 16, after what it described as a week-long observation of persistent transportation difficulties under the university’s new mobility system.

The development comes despite an earlier appeal by the university’s spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, who urged student leaders to give management more time to address issues linked to the deployment of 50 buses and 30 tricycles donated by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.

The union said the decision to embark on the boycott followed a joint meeting of its Central Executive Council, Hall Executive Council, and Students’ Representative Council.

Student leaders accused the current transportation arrangement of causing widespread hardship across campus, citing inadequate route coverage, shortage of operational buses and tricycles, overcrowding, commuter discomfort, and insufficient drivers.

To resolve the crisis, the union demanded the immediate provision of additional vehicles to serve the university’s over 35,000 students and staff, as well as the temporary restoration of the previous transport system until the new arrangement becomes fully operational.

The students also called for proper implementation of the transport reform to ensure affordable and reliable intra-campus movement, alongside mandatory consultation with union leaders before any future major transportation policy changes.

The union warned that it would reassess the situation at the end of the 72-hour boycott and may escalate action to mass protests if the university management fails to meet its demands.

ELIJAH ADEYEMI