By Adesina Wahab

Following the intervention by the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, the management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, has acceded to steps that will improve the welfare of students on campus.

The intervention by the association followed the recent protest by the students over welfare issues, especially the provision of municipal services and the high cost of transportation.

The NANS team was led by the Zonal Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, who was supported by other zonal officers and student leaders.

In a statement by Adeyemo on Thursday, he gave an account of what transpired during the meeting.

“The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Southwest Zone D, wishes to formally inform the public and the Nigerian student community of the resolutions reached with the management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, following a high-level engagement held to address the ongoing welfare concerns affecting students across the institution.

“The intervention, led by the Coordinator of NANS Southwest Zone D, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode (Billioncodes), became necessary following the distressing situation faced by students after the announcement of a mid-semester break and the subsequent evacuation pressure that left many students stranded without immediate alternatives for accommodation.

“During the engagement with the university management, led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Akinfala Emmanuel Oluropo, NANS Southwest strongly demanded the immediate suspension of forced evacuation of students from hostels, particularly in view of the short notice issued to students.

*In response, the university management agreed that students who are currently on campus and residing in their hostels will be allowed to remain until the official resumption date, recognizing that many students were already stranded and unable to secure alternative accommodation within such limited time.
“Management further assured that water and electricity supply will be provided and sustained in all halls of residence housing students who remain on campus throughout the break period.

“On the issue of transportation challenges, management acknowledged the burden placed on students due to limited campus mobility and agreed to provide additional buses to ease transportation difficulties within the university community.

“With respect to the situation surrounding Awolowo Hall renovation, management clarified during the meeting that renovation works have not yet commenced. It was further agreed that whenever renovation activities are scheduled to begin, proper planning and adequate notice will be given to affected students, including necessary arrangements to ensure that no student is displaced without structured alternatives.

“Additionally, NANS Southwest pressed for the reduction of the earlier announced three-week mid-semester break to a more reasonable duration. Management acknowledged the concerns raised and agreed to present the proposal for reducing the break period to one week before the university Senate, where a final decision will be taken.

“These commitments represent significant progress toward restoring stability and protecting student welfare within the institution. NANS Southwest has deliberately placed these resolutions in the public domain to ensure transparency and to hold all parties accountable to the agreements reached.

“NANS Southwest will continue to monitor compliance with these commitments and remains resolute in defending the welfare, dignity, and academic stability of Nigerian students. The union will not hesitate to take further lawful and democratic steps should any deviation from these agreed resolutions occur.”