Tension remains high at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, as some students have refused to comply with the school’s directive ordering them to vacate hostels for a three-week mid-semester break.
Reports from campus indicate that several students residing in the Hall of Mozambique and other hostels are resisting evacuation, insisting they will remain on campus despite the management’s order.
Some students alleged that the situation worsened after the university reportedly disconnected electricity supply in certain hostels in an attempt to compel compliance with the directive.
“Students at the Hall of Mozambique are outside saying they are not going anywhere. The school has also switched off power to force students out for the break,” a source said.
The university had earlier announced an immediate three-week break, directing all students to leave campus accommodation. The decision followed protests that disrupted activities on campus and raised safety concerns.
According to the university management, the protest—triggered by disputes over transportation arrangements—led to the obstruction of major access routes and created tension within the school environment.
In a statement, the university explained that the break was necessary to restore order and allow for further engagement with stakeholders.
However, the directive has been met with strong resistance from parts of the student population, who argue that their grievances have not been adequately addressed.
Earlier protests had shut down movement within and around the campus, with students blocking gates and the Ife–Ede road in demonstrations against increased transportation costs and related welfare concerns.
Student representatives say repeated attempts at dialogue with management failed before the situation escalated into protest.
For now, while some students have left campus, a section remains defiant, leaving the university in a tense standoff as authorities work to restore calm.
