GREAT IFE STUDENTS’ UNION DISPUTES MANAGEMENT’S ACCOUNT OF PROTEST, SEEKS STAKEHOLDERS’ INTERVENTION

GREAT IFE STUDENTS’ UNION DISPUTES MANAGEMENT’S ACCOUNT OF PROTEST, SEEKS STAKEHOLDERS’ INTERVENTION

By Goodness Olope 

The Great Ife Students’ Union, Obafemi Awolowo University, has rejected the University Management’s description of today's student protest, insisting that the demonstration was peaceful and did not disrupt major roads or public movement.

In a press release issued on Tuesday April 28th 2026, the Union stated that students engaged in a peaceful and well-coordinated protest at the Campus Gate following a congress resolution, expressing concerns over the newly introduced transportation system and its impact on student welfare.

According to the Union, the protest remained confined to the Campus Gate axis and was orderly throughout its duration, with no incidents of violence, harassment, or obstruction of public roads.

It faulted the University Management’s earlier statement, which described the protest as “unruly” and alleged obstruction of access roads and harassment of road users, describing the claims as “misrepresentative” of what actually transpired.

The Union also expressed concern over the Senate’s decision to approve an immediate mid-semester break, describing it as a “disproportionate and punitive reaction” to a peaceful demonstration.

It argued that students were exercising their right to peaceful assembly and were only demanding improved welfare conditions, particularly regarding the transportation system.

While criticizing the University’s handling of the situation, the Union called on stakeholders including alumni, parents, and civil society groups to intervene in what it described as an unfair approach to student agitation.

However, the Students’ Union maintained that it remains open to dialogue with the University Management to resolve the ongoing transportation challenges and concerns over student accommodation, including issues relating to Awo Hall.

Reaffirming its stance, the Union emphasized that it seeks constructive engagement rather than confrontation, urging students to remain calm, united, and law-abiding as discussions continue.