Students at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) staged a peaceful demonstration on Monday, blocking the university’s main gate and halting all vehicular movement. The protest targeted the recent implementation of a cashless transport system, which was launched on April 1, 2026, and replaced motorcycles with 50 CNG buses and 30 tricycles.
The transition has resulted in long queues for the university’s more than 35,000 students, forcing many to start their days earlier and arrive late to classes. The situation follows a prior lecture boycott, escalating frustrations on campus. Students are demanding the addition of more vehicles or the return of motorcycles (okadas), as well as solutions to hall evictions, e-portal difficulties, healthcare concerns, and student loan issues.
University management has responded by increasing the number of peak-hour buses but maintains a ban on motorcycles, citing safety reasons.
