Students of Obafemi Awolowo University staged a peaceful protest early on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the university’s main gate over persistent transportation challenges and accommodation concerns. The protest was organised in response to the school management’s inaction on the welfare issues of the students.
The protest kicked off around a few minutes before 8:00 am with the Student Union executives. Students mobilised from residential halls to the campus gate, halting the movement of vehicles. Most students at the beginning were those staying on campus, while others joined later. The protest intensified as students demonstrated in front of the school gate, chanting Aluta songs.
In an interview with an InFocus correspondent, Hon. Shankar, the Deputy Speaker of the Great Ife Students’ Union stated that previous negotiations with university management had yielded little progress, making public demonstration necessary to express students’ frustrations.
‘The introduction of the CNG buses by the First Lady of the Federation was deemed a progressive initiative. Regardless of the importance of the ‘aesthetic’ condition of the school, student welfare should be prioritised. Students cannot continue to miss classes due to long queues, students staying in town have to spend twice as much as they would normally spend.
Secondly, on the issue of Awolowo Hall, legal occupants should not be asked to leave blocks 7 and 8 without an alternative. It is known that renovations usually happen during the breaks and the long break is around the corner, so the renovations should be halted till then.’
He further stated that the reason for the protest is to show students’ agitations, and that they are suggesting that since no plans were made after the eviction of Sabo-Lagere buses which were about 300 to 350 buses, the same number of CNG buses should be provided. He expressed that 50 CNG buses and 30 tricycles would not suffice, adding that 14 to 18 CNG buses and tricycles are currently not in good condition, making intra-campus mobility difficult.
The protest later moved towards Ede road, as some students attempted to block the road to further intensify their demands. The president of the union later addressed that a member of the governing council was present. He also informed the protesters that the renovation of Awo Hall is halted till further notice, and that academic activities will be put on hold until the transportation issues are resolved. Additionally, the payment for result checking on the newly upgraded e-portal will be stopped.