Students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) have commenced a 72-hour lecture boycott following a worsening transportation crisis triggered by the introduction of newly deployed CNG-powered buses on campus.
The protest, which began on April 14, 2026, comes amid growing frustration over long queues, limited vehicle availability, and increased commuting stress affecting thousands of students.
The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) blamed the university management for what it described as “avoidable suffering,” noting that the transition from the existing transport system to the new one was poorly planned.
According to the group, the crisis stems from the sudden replacement of commercial buses and motorcycles with approximately 80 CNG vehicles, reportedly donated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
The ERC argued that the number of vehicles is grossly insufficient for a university population exceeding 30,000 students, especially as a significant percentage reside off-campus.
Students have also raised concerns over increased transport costs, particularly for those living in areas such as Mayfair, AP, and Lagere, who are now forced to queue at campus entry points due to restricted access for other transport operators.
Describing the initiative as a “policy failure,” the group criticized the lack of consultation with students and transport stakeholders before implementation, warning that the outcome has led to “chaos and hardship” rather than improvement.
The boycott is being supported by the Students’ Union Government, with calls for sustained protest action until the university management reviews or reverses the policy.
The situation has heightened tensions on campus, with many observers warning that the transport crisis reflects broader infrastructural challenges within the institution.
