OAU evicts students over hostel renovation

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, on Wednesday instructed security operatives to eject students from the halls of residence.

Some students on campus said an announcement was made using public address systems in various halls of residence, giving them 24 hours to vacate the buildings.

Although the university is on vacation, students on teaching practice programmes and other forms of internship are occupying the halls.

TheCable Lifestyle had earlier reported that the university had begun renovation of the halls of residence, which the dean of students affairs described as difficult because undergraduates were still on campus.

At Moremi Hall, evicted female students could be seen sitting on their luggage insisting that they would not leave until provisions are made for them.

“I have nothing to say about the eviction as my boss who is the dean of students affairs division has ordered them to do so,” Olowu Ekaete, Moremi hall warden, told TheCable Lifestyle.

Ayodeji, a final year student who said she is working on her project said the alternative hall provided is asking for a letter from their respective heads of department.

“We have been here since the school has been on break and no light, water. We didn’t complain and they are now asking is to leave for another hostel which is Akintola hall,” she said.

“On getting there they asked us to bring a letter from our HOD. Our HODs have not been on their seat and we have nowhere to stay”

Omolayo, a 300 level student doing teaching practice, said she had to rush down to pack her belongings.

“I was called right from where I am doing my TP that the hall portals have been directed to be throwing out our luggage. I have to rush down and pack my things.”

Additional reporting by Uthman Samad