Students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, staged a peaceful protest on Monday over the non-issuance of identity cards, disrupting movement and activities on campus.
The protest, which took place at the university’s main gate, halted commercial transport as students blocked vehicles from entering the premises. This caused a major traffic build-up along the busy Ife/Ede road, leaving commuters stranded and slowing down business activities within the campus.
Although the protesters did not speak to journalists directly, an open letter from the Great Ife Students’ Union gave insight into their grievances. Signed by the union’s president, Isaac Omoboriowo, and two other executive members, the letter made a strong declaration: no student would sit for second-semester exams without receiving their official ID cards.
“This is not a new issue; it is one we have persistently raised before the beginning of the first semester of this academic session. From then until now, the ninth week of the second semester, the Students’ Union has consistently engaged the university management on the failure to produce and distribute identity cards to students.”
The union described the delay as more than just an inconvenience. Without ID cards, students have faced police harassment, missed out on scholarships and job opportunities, and now risk being unable to complete NYSC registration.
“Exams are approaching, and the same students who paid for ID cards still don’t have them. Therefore, we make this clear declaration: If the university fails to issue ID cards to all students before the commencement of examinations, students will not sit for any examination.
This is not a threat; it is a legitimate demand. It is a stand against administrative negligence. It is a call for dignity and accountability.”
In response, the university management issued a statement signed by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. J. Odedire, acknowledging the delay and promising swift action.
“This unintended delay, which is attributable to the logistics of the incorporation of the smart features embedded in the I.D. card, has been addressed by the company charged with the production. The university authority is giving priority attention to ensuring that the first batch of the I.D. card is delivered latest by Wednesday (28/05/2025).”
Prof. Odedire added that the university remains committed to ensuring students enjoy a conducive learning environment and that their rights are protected.
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