By Adedoyin Oguntade

The crisis surrounding the newly introduced transport system at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, took a new turn on Wednesday as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, stepped into the dispute, engaging the university management in a bid to broker peace.

This development comes barely a day after the university announced a three-week mid-semester break following student protests over the new transport arrangement, a decision that has continued to generate reactions from students.

Late Tuesday, NANS, through its South-West Coordinator, Josiah Adeyemi, issued a statement expressing solidarity with OAU students and assuring them of support in addressing their concerns.

By Wednesday morning, members of the NANS leadership arrived at the university’s main gate, where they briefly blocked the major entrance while demanding that the management address the grievances raised by students.

NANS pushes for dialogue, condemns shutdown

Addressing students and observers at the scene, Mr Adeyemi criticised the university’s decision to shut down academic activities, arguing that the situation could have been resolved through dialogue rather than escalation.

He noted that many parents make significant sacrifices to fund their children’s education, stressing that students should not be denied the right to peacefully express their concerns.

“An injury to one is an injury to all. The future of Nigerian students will be determined by Nigerian students,” he said, adding that NANS’ intervention was aimed at mediation, not confrontation.

Following the brief demonstration, NANS leaders proceeded to the university’s Senate Building, where they demanded an audience with the Vice Chancellor. This led to a meeting between the student body representatives and key members of the university management.

Meeting with management, demands tabled

The meeting, held at the Ajose Lecture Theatre, was attended by top university officials, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Oluropo Akinfala, a professor; the Dean of Student Affairs, John Odedire, a professor; the Chairman of the security committee, the institution’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), the Divisional Police Officer of Moore Police station, among other individuals.

During the engagement, both parties presented their positions, with NANS outlining the concerns gathered from students, while the management explained steps taken to address the transport challenges.

NANS subsequently tabled a number of demands, including the immediate restoration of electricity and water supply in student hostels for those unable to vacate campus, a halt to any form of victimisation of Students’ Union leaders, and a suspension of the planned renovation of Awolowo Hall until the end of the academic session.

The student body also called for a reduction of the three-week mid-semester break to one week to minimise disruption to academic activities.

Responding, Mr Akinfala disclosed that the university had approved the first three demands, while noting that the request to reduce the duration of the break would require deliberation by the university Senate.

He added that while the proposal was not impossible, a final decision would be subject to further consultation.