The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has directed students to embark on a three- week mid-semester break, following students’ protest over transportation crisis on Tuesday.

A statement by the school’s spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that the decision to halt academic activities became necessary after a series of protests by students over the newly introduced transportation system.

Mr Olarewaju alleged that the students’ protest held on Tuesday escalated into “unruly conduct, including the obstruction of major access roads and harassment of road users.”

“The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, wishes to inform parents, guardians, alumni, and the general public that following recent developments on campus, the Senate of the University has approved that the students proceed on a mid-semester break for a period of three (3) weeks, with immediate effect.

“Despite efforts to engage and appeal for calm, the situation has continued to pose concerns for the safety and well-being of members of the university community in particular and the public in general,” the statement stated.

The spokesman noted that the university Senate had directed that students should proceed on a three-week break with immediate effect to restore order, ensure safety and create an enabling environment for meaningful dialogue.

Mr Olarewaju assured that the university management would engage relevant stakeholders during the mid-semester break to address worrying concerns and restore academic normalcy.

The management enjoined parents and guardians to take note of the latest development, urging students to remain law-abiding.

Earlier on Tuesday, the OAU Students’ Union protested at the main entrance of the institution, rejecting the newly introduced transportation policy.

The protesting students held placards with inscriptions such as “New system of transportation is not working #NoToOppression; We need a system that works; No to renovation of Awo Hall during session; Save OAU now, fix the transport system; Students are the biggest stakeholders, listen to us.”

Earlier, the students’ body said the demonstration was embarked upon to demand the provision of sufficient vehicles for public use in the university, and to oppose a proposed renovation plan by the management to evict residents occupying Block 7 and 8 of the Obafemi Awolowo Hall of Residence during the ongoing academic session.