Life is returning to normal at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, as students officially resume academic activities today, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, following a three-week mid-semester break triggered by student protests over the university’s newly introduced transportation system.
On the 28th of April 2026, students of OAU took to the streets in protest, expressing frustration over a newly introduced campus transportation system which many described as ineffective, inadequate, and poorly implemented.
The protests, however, later escalated into disruptive conduct, including the closure of the campus gate, obstruction of major access roads, and harassment of road users.
In response, the University Management, through a release by the Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, announced that the Senate had approved an immediate mid-semester break for all students.
The decision was described as necessary to restore order, ensure the safety of the university community, and create room for meaningful dialogue between the administration and relevant stakeholders.
At its Special Meeting held on Thursday, 14th May, 2026, the Senate confirmed that the three-week moratorium was introduced to allow the administration address concerns surrounding the transportation system and engage relevant stakeholders toward resolving the issues.
According to the official decision extract, all matters arising from the situation have now been sufficiently addressed.
During the break, the University also introduced a new student e-portal, which initially came with challenges relating to login access, school fee payment, and course registration. New directives were subsequently issued to guide students through the payment and registration processes.
Students are advised to take note of the following deadlines:
Staylites (Returning Students): School fee payment deadline is Friday, May 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Freshers (New Students): Tuition fee payment window closes on Thursday, May 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
With lectures resuming today, the Revised Academic Calendar for the Rain Semester 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 Academic Sessions indicates that lectures will continue until July 24, while Rain Semester examinations are scheduled to commence on August 3, 2026.
Abdulsalam Ahmad
