NANS STORMS OAU, BLOCKS CAMPUS GATE AMID ESCALATING CRISIS; MEETS MANAGEMENT

NANS STORMS OAU, BLOCKS CAMPUS GATE AMID ESCALATING CRISIS; MEETS MANAGEMENT

By Goodness Olope and Daniel Ajanaku 

Members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, on Wednesday, 29th April, 2026, stormed Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, blocking the campus gate and disrupting vehicular movement in and out of the institution in what they described as an intervention in the ongoing student crisis.

The action, which began at about 9:00 a.m., followed the University’s directive ordering students to vacate halls of residence before 7:00 a.m. the same day, after the declaration of a three-week mid-semester break.

The break was approved by the University Senate in response to protests by students over a newly introduced transportation system and concerns surrounding accommodation, particularly the planned renovation of block 7 & 8 of Awolowo Hall.

In its earlier statement, the University, through its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, described the protest as having escalated into “unruly conduct,” citing obstruction of major access roads and harassment of road users.

However, NANS leaders challenged that narrative upon arrival on campus, insisting that the situation required dialogue rather than punitive measures.

Speaking at the university gate, the South-West Coordinator of NANS, Josiah Adeyemo Kayode, said the association could not ignore the concerns of students.

“An injury to one is an injury to all. The future of Nigerian students will be determined by Nigerian students,” he said.

Adeyemo stressed that NANS was not on campus for confrontation but for mediation, adding that the association had monitored developments for weeks before intervening.

Following initial protests at the gate, NANS leaders later opened access and proceeded to the Senate Building, where they demanded an audience with the University Management. This led to an emergency meeting held at the Ajose Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Agriculture.

EMERGENCY MEETING WITH MANAGEMENT

The meeting was attended by key University officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Oluropo Akinfala, and the Dean of Student Affairs, John Odedire, alongside other members of the management team.

Also present were several NANS officials, including comrade Idowu Samuel, press Secretary, NANS Southwest, Comrade Blessing, Comrade Kehinde (Director of ICT), Comrade Adeshewa, Comrade Samson, Chief of Staff Comrade Adebiyi Caleb, Comrade Johnson (Ilesha), and Emeritus South-West Coordinator, Comrade Alao John.

Representatives of the Students’ Union were also in attendance, including the Union President, Public Relations Officer, Welfare Officer, and Director of Sports.

Addressing the gathering, Akinfala explained that the transportation reform had been under consideration since 2025 and was introduced as a trial. He acknowledged operational challenges, including inadequate buses and congestion, but maintained that efforts were ongoing to improve the system.

He added that the decision to send students on a mid-semester break was taken by the University Senate after several options were considered to restore order.

NANS RAISES CONCERNS, PRESENTS DEMANDS

NANS representatives criticized the handling of the situation, describing the three-week break as excessive and raising concerns over alleged threats to student leaders and the disconnection of hostel utilities.

They maintained that students should not be penalised for engaging in peaceful protest.

During the meeting, NANS presented the following demands:

*Reduction of the three-week mid-semester break to one week

*Assurance of non-victimisation of Students’ Union executives

*Restoration of transport capacity to previous levels

*Proper arrangements for Awolowo Hall renovation, including alternative accommodation

*Immediate restoration of electricity and water supply

*Consideration for students unable to vacate campus

MANAGEMENT RESPONDS

In response, the University Management agreed to address some of the concerns raised.

The restoration of electricity and water supply was confirmed, while management stated that plans were already underway to improve transport capacity and ensure proper arrangements for Awolowo Hall renovation.

However, no immediate commitment was made regarding the reduction of the three-week break or assurances on non-victimisation.

The DVC noted that any decision to shorten the break would require Senate approval.

SITUATION ONGOING

As of the time of filing this report, discussions between stakeholders had eased tensions on campus, though uncertainties remain over the duration of the break and full resolution of the transport crisis.

The intervention by NANS marks a significant development in the situation, bringing national student leadership into the ongoing dispute between students and the University Management.