Protest: Provide More Buses to Ease Transport System on campus – OAU Std.Union

…..As management shut down school fir three weeks

By Jeleel Olawale

Nasiru Olajide, the Deputy-Speaker of Great Ife Students Union, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), has appealed to the school management to provide more buses to ease transport system on campus.

Olajide made the appeal during an interview at Main Gate of Obafemi Awolowo University,on Tuesday,in Ile-Ife.

He said that as a peaceful and responsible students of great Ife,their peaceful protest was basically on transportation crisis they were facing on campus.

“We appreciate Nigeria First Lady, Sen.Oluremi Tinubu that donated 50 buses and 30 tricycles to ease transportation system and to regulate irregularities on campus.

“We understand that we need new development,but the bus is not enough for over 40,000 students on campus,aside artisans, workers, bankers, non-teaching staff, among others.

“Obviously,this buses cannot cater for the number of students on campus, addition the number of tricycles for intra campus mobility, majority of them are not in good condition because of one reason or the other”. He stressed.

He agitated that If University Management want to continue with this system, at least, between 200 and 300 CNG buses will be appreciated.

According to him, they can’t continue with this stress, for students will be on queue for hours,some were even missing classes and when the exam comes, the consequences will not be palatable.

The Deputy -Speaker emphasised that students off campus are spending triple of normal price on transport, instead of N500, they were now spending between N1,500 and N2,000 at this economic hardship of fuel skyrocketing period.

He also complaint of students living in Awo hostel block 7 and 8 respectively that were asked to evacuate for renovation without making alternative for them.

Olajide emphasised that the renovation is a welcome development, but should have been done during the semester break.

“These students were legal occupants, they paid for the hostel, so where would they expect to stay for the period of renovation, the welfare of the students needs to be protected.

” We are paramount to the care of our colleagues,let the welfare of your people be your priority, that why we demonstrate peacefully ,no vandalisation, no destruction, no blocking of roads”. He stated.

According to him, they have engaged the management, expressed their plight, lodged their complaint, in the last few weeks, they have several meetings on this note, but authorities says there’s no going back.

“The stand of the management is that we should maintain the current transportation system on campus that’s not convenient,We need to protect our rights as students.

“If we want to continue with this system,we need more vehicles. We are calling on philanthropists, government officials and stakeholders to donate more buses for us”. He appealed.

Similarly, the management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has asked the students of the institution to proceed on three weeks mid-semester break.

This sequel to the 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.

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that this decision became necessary after a series of protests by students over the newly introduced transportation system escalated into unruly conduct, including the obstruction of major access roads and harassment of other road users.

“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.

“Consequently, and in the interest of restoring order, ensuring safety and creating an enabling environment for meaningful dialogue, Senate has directed the University Management to ask all students to proceed on a two-week break with immediate effect”, the stated noted.

“During this period, the University Management will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised and to ensure that normalcy is restored on campus.

“Accordingly, parents and guardians are kindly advised to take note of this development and make the necessary arrangements for their children and wards”.

The statement further enjoined the students to remain law-abiding and use this period responsibly.
The University remains committed to the welfare of its students and to maintaining a peaceful and conducive academic environment for all.