By DORCAS ELUSOGBON

The Management of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has announced a two-week mid-semester break with immediate effect.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the university, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ile-Ife.

Olarewaju said that the decision became necessary after series of protests by students over the newly introduced transportation system.

He said that the protest had escalated into unruly conduct, obstruction of major access roads and harassment of other road users by some of the protesters.

According to him, in spite of efforts to engage and appeal for calm, the situation continued to pose concerns for the safety and well-being of members of the university community and the general public.

“Consequently, and in the interest of restoring order, ensuring safety and creating an enabling environment for meaningful dialogue, Senate has directed the university management to ask all students to proceed on a two-week break with immediate effect.

“During this period, the university management will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised and to ensure that normalcy is restored on campus,” Olarewaju said.

The statement advised parents and guardians to take note of the development and make the necessary arrangements for their children and wards to vacate the institution as directed.

Olarewaju also enjoined the students to remain law-abiding and use the break period responsibly.

He emphasised that the university remains committed to the welfare of its students and to maintaining a peaceful and conducive academic environment for all. (NAN)