OAU shut, students asked to vacate school immediately

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has asked students to vacate the university after its emergency senate meeting held on Sunday.

It was gathered that the closure, which was tagged as ‘mid-semester break’ was connected to the continuous protest by workers under the aegis of Non Academic Staff Union, OAU chapter.

It will be recalled that the workers, who started with a warning strike on July 1, alleged that they have not been paid their hazard allowances for about 64 months.

When contacted, the University Public Relations Officer, Mr. Biodun Olarewaju, explained that the university declared a ‘mid semester break’ not closure.

He debunked that the break was connected to the protest by workers of the university, saying that the school only wanted the students to go and have some rest.

However, it was gathered that the university has never declared such a break since its establishment.

Olarewaju said, “At the emergency meeting of today, the senate has approved that the management give the students a mid-semester break, not closure. We will communicate to you in due course. The students should enjoy their Sallah celebration.”

When asked if the break was connected to the unpaid workers protest and proposed Monday (today) strike, the PRO said, “I don’t think so. The management wants the students to be well prepared for their academics. The students are supposed to proceed on the break tomorrow (Monday).”

Meanwhile, Chairman of the NASU, OAU Chapter, Comrade Wole Odewunmi, had hinted that they would embark on total strike on Monday (today).

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