Management of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has directed students to proceed on a three-week mid-semester break.
The directive followed Tuesday’s protests by students over a newly introduced transportation system.
The decision was approved by the university’s Senate with immediate effect, according to a statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju on Tuesday.
The statement said the move became necessary after a series of student protests escalated into what it described as unruly conduct on campus.
It noted that the protests involved the obstruction of major access roads and the harassment of other road users within and around the university environment.
“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 weeks, with immediate effect,” the statement read.
The university explained that efforts had been made to engage protesting students and appeal for calm, but the situation continued to raise safety concerns.
“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 and the public,” it added.
As part of the directive, students have been instructed to vacate their halls of residence immediately.
The management said the break would provide an opportunity to restore order and create an enabling environment for meaningful dialogue with relevant stakeholders.
“During this period, the University Management will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised and ensure that normalcy is restored on campus,” the statement said.
Parents and guardians were advised to take note of the development and make necessary arrangements for their wards, while students were urged to remain law-abiding and use the period responsibly.
