Senator Oluremi Tinubu to Visit OAU, Handover CNG Vehicles and Commission Dream Center

By Sanusi Fawaz 

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, is set to host the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, in an official visit.

Source: Premium Times

The visit will feature the commissioning and formal handover of 50 buses and 10 tricycles donated to the university in October 2025 by the First Lady to improve campus transportation.

This comes on the backdrop of recent transportation challenges students have faced, most notably the long queues they experienced due to severe bus shortages.

 

Long Queues on Campus due to Bus Shortages

Source: ACJOAU

Also slated for commissioning is the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre, a facility expected to support student development and community engagement.

The commissioning of the Dream Centre will be performed by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, adding royal significance to the event.

In anticipation of the visit, the university management has announced that heightened security and restricted movement will be enforced across the campus during the programme. 

Staff and students have been urged to cooperate with security agencies, adhere strictly to official instructions, and maintain proper conduct throughout the visit.

OAU Giants Held to Goalless Draw by FUNAAB in Inter-University Novelty Match

By Sanusi Fawaz 

The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Giants were held to a 0–0 draw by the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in an inter-university novelty football match played at the OAU Sports Complex Mainbowl on Sunday, 25 January 2026.

Image Credit: Iscosports

The encounter, which attracted a lively crowd of students and football enthusiasts, formed part of efforts to strengthen sporting ties and promote unity among Nigerian universities. 

Despite creating several scoring opportunities, Coach Faleti’s side, OAU Giants, could not break down a disciplined FUNAAB defense, while both goalkeepers delivered solid performances to keep the match scoreless.

Beyond the action on the pitch, the event also featured the official unveiling of the OAU Giants’ new jersey. The kit was formally presented to the team by OAU Ex-Players, marking a symbolic moment of continuity and support between past and present generations of the club.

Though the novelty match ended without a winner, it reinforced inter-university camaraderie and celebrated the rich football culture within the Nigerian university system.

Beyond Exams: Attendance and Assignments Key to Improving Academic Performance

By Ojelade Pipeloluwa

At the university, there is much emphasis on tests and examinations. In fact, for the majority of students, test and exam weeks are when they get serious, doing overnights in lecture theatres or spending the day in the school library. 

Underlying this belief is perhaps the idea that tests and exams are the defining moments that determine a person's CGPA or pass/fail status in the university.

But in reality, academic performance for many students is shaped long before they enter the examination hall. Across campus, class attendance and assignments continue to influence how well students perform in their courses. Interviewing several students on campus reveals mixed opinions. 

Although examinations remain important, students say consistent attendance helps them better understand course content, while assignments provide opportunities to earn additional marks through continuous assessment.

According to Grace Adeniyi, a 200-level student from the Faculty of Administration, attending lectures regularly has helped her stay on track academically. 

‘Most times, lecturers explain things in class that later come out in assignments or exams. If you miss lectures, you are already behind,’ she stated. 

She also added that even if a student does not perform exceptionally well in exams, assignments can help balance the score.

Joy Adesanya explained that lectures often provide insights that cannot be easily replaced. 

‘There are things lecturers say in class that you will not find in slides or textbooks. Missing that affects both assignments and exams,’ she noted. 

Similarly, Samson Peace, a 300-level student, said being present in class helps her stay focused. ‘When you attend classes, you understand what is expected of you. It also makes you more serious about submitting assignments on time,’ she added.

However, this reaction is not the same for all students. Aliu Salmod, a 300-level student from the Faculty of Science, believes attendance and assignments are sometimes over-emphasised. 

‘I feel attendance and assignments do not always reflect how well a person understands a course. Some students can study on their own and still perform well in exams. Missing a few classes or assignments should not automatically mean losing marks,’ he argued.

Another interviewed student raised concerns about the large marks sometimes awarded for assignments and attendance.

'Once you miss an assignment or attendance, that mark is gone. It becomes zero. That can affect your grade badly, even if you do well in exams. Sometimes the system feels too strict and doesn’t consider individual situations.'

A lecturer from the Faculty of Arts, reacting to these concerns, explained that attendance and assignments are meant to support the learning process rather than serve as punishment. 

‘Assignments help us assess students gradually, while attendance allows them to follow the course properly. Students who participate consistently tend to perform better overall,’ the lecturer noted.

He further added that continuous engagement helps students avoid relying solely on last-minute exam preparation.

Meanwhile, as the academic session continues, attendance and assignments remain essential tools for students seeking to strengthen their academic performance. Beyond examinations, consistent participation in lectures and coursework continues to shape academic outcomes across campus.

New Beginnings as OAU Matriculates Fresh Students for 2025/2026 Session

By Salako Blessing

On Thursday, 15 January 2026, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) was filled with excitement and merriment as hundreds of newly admitted students were formally matriculated into the institution. With bright smiles and overflowing blue gowns, the students gathered at the newly renovated Amphitheatre for the ceremony, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their educational journey.

The ceremony was conducted in two sessions to accommodate all faculties. The first batch included students from the Faculties of Administration, Arts, Environmental Design and Management, Law, and Social Sciences. The second batch comprised the Faculties of Agriculture, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Computing Science and Engineering, Dentistry, Education, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology.

VC Warns Against Social Vices

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, congratulated the new students, noting that they were selected from tens of thousands of applicants. He emphasised that OAU remains a centre of excellence and the ‘most beautiful campus in Africa’. In his address, he reiterated the University’s zero-tolerance policy towards social vices, warning that students found engaging in cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, sexual harassment, cybercrime, and violent protests will face the full wrath of the law.

‘The degree you will eventually receive is awarded to those who have been found worthy in both character and learning,’ the VC charged the matriculating students. With parents and guardians watching with joy, the matriculating students, led by the Registrar, took the matriculation oath, promising to be obedient to the university authorities, observe all codes of conduct, and refrain from acts of violence.

Mixed Reactions Among Matriculants

OAUPeeps spoke with several matriculants who expressed immense joy. Precious, a student from the Department of Biochemistry, shared her excitement: ‘I feel great today, and the highlight of the day was wearing my matriculation gown. I have been waiting for this day for 3 years, and today my dreams are finally becoming a reality.’

Another student, Odunayo from the Faculty of Law, described her feelings as overwhelming. ‘I feel thrilled and filled with so much excitement,’ she said, adding that she looks forward to a school year filled with academic excellence and meaningful connections.

For Ayomikun, a student of Science Laboratory Technology, the day was both demanding and memorable. ‘Today has been the most stressful and memorable day of my life,’ she said, boldly stating her goal to graduate with a CGPA of 5.0. She noted that the day did not go entirely as planned due to a shift in the programme schedule, with the second session starting at 10:00 a.m. instead of the expected 11:30 a.m.

However, not all students shared the same level of novelty. Joseph, a former student who was readmitted to study Law, expressed a more reserved perspective. ‘I feel indifferent about the whole process because this is not my first time,’ he said. ‘It is better this time around because I will be studying the course I actually want.’

PG Students also Matriculated

The ceremony also saw the matriculation of postgraduate students, including high-profile figures such as Alhaji Ashiru Bola Oyebamiji, the former manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), highlighting OAU's continued pull as a centre of academic excellence.

With the ceremony concluded, yesterday marked the beginning of years filled with learning, growth, and new opportunities for the newest members of the ‘Great Ife’ community.

OAU Issues Ultimatum to Students with Manually Allocated Bedspace

By Sanusi Fawaz

The Division of Student Affairs (DSA), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has released a special directive to all students who received accommodation through manual allocation. The notice urges these students to make the necessary payments within the approved timeframe or risk losing their allocated bed spaces.

In the notice dated 12 January, the DSA clarified that students assigned accommodation during the period the e-portal was down for maintenance must complete their payments strictly through the university’s e-portal. The Division emphasised that no other payment channels will be recognised. 

This release follows the recent temporary shutdown of the school e-portal for maintenance, which began around 24 November. This situation, previously reported by OAUPeeps, prevented many students from accessing the portal to register courses and pay fees until its restoration on 19 December 2025.

The deadline for affected students to complete their payment is Monday, 19 January. After payment, students are expected to submit their bed space clearance forms at the Division of Student Affairs for proper documentation and endorsement.

Furthermore, students whose manually allocated bed spaces are yet to appear on their e-portal accounts are directed to report to Room 4, Division of Student Affairs, on or before 16 January. These students must bring valid proof of school charges payment, specifically their clearance certificate.

The Division emphasised that failure to comply with these instructions within the stipulated deadlines will result in the automatic forfeiture of the allocated bed spaces.

Broken Promises? Maintenance Residents Forced to Pay Hiked Fees Months After Students’ Union Intervention

By Omotola Lydia

Maintenance-based hostels, which house several OAU female students, have left residents in despair as management increases fees for this year. This despair arises despite a press release by the Students’ Union in December 2025, which called for a reversal of the hike at BVERS hostel until the next session. The SU further directed residents to pay only the previous amount and declared a ‘state of emergency’ across all maintenance hostels.

However, more than a month later, nothing has changed; instead, the situation has deteriorated. Residents of other maintenance hostels are now also experiencing fee increases. Despite the state of emergency and no significant improvement in living conditions, residents decry coercion by hostel management to pay increased fees to secure their accommodation.

Residents Lament Sudden Hikes and Poor Facilities

Flourish, a resident of BVERS hostel, lamented the sudden financial burden. ‘We were paying ₦170,000 per person in a three-bedroom, but now they are asking us to pay ₦270,000. The ₦100,000 increase is sudden. They did not even give us the grace of part payment,’ she said.

She added that the facilities do not justify the cost. ‘The truth is that a lot of students will move out. The Students’ Union came and said we should not pay the increased fee, but some people have paid, and there is nothing we can do.’

Pelumi, a resident of De-Gold Hostel, shared a similar experience. ‘We were paying ₦200,000 before, and it was increased to ₦250,000. This increase is without any advantage. They only offered us this wardrobe that looks like a cubicle, a student-sized bed, and a small ceiling fan. No extra facility. We are also sharing a bathroom and kitchen, which I think is not fair.’ She further noted that roommates must still pay ₦5,000 every two weeks for electricity out of their own pockets.

At Aderonke Hostel, Joy, a resident, expressed her frustration to OAUPeeps. ‘We were paying ₦180,000 before, and the rent was increased to ₦250,000. Where do they want us to see the extra ₦70,000? We are just students, and this is very unfair.’

Joy further questioned the lack of follow-up from student leaders following their earlier declaration. ‘I do not know what the Students’ Union is doing about it because some people are already paying the increased rent, and no one is saying anything. Even with the increase, the hostel has water and light issues and a lack of basic facilities.’

Allegations of Coercion and Verbal Harassment

A resident speaking under anonymity revealed that BVERS residents have continued to suffer verbal harassment and coercion to pay before 15 January 2026. Following the initial outcry reported by the ACJOAU, which prompted the student union intervention, the original deadline notices have been replaced with ‘renovation notices’; however, the manager has continued to enforce the 15 January deadline through verbal demands.

‘Now it is just mouth the manager is using to tell us to pay before the 15th,’ the resident said. ‘When we were resuming [after the yuletide break], he asked us to write our names and when we are going to pay—not later than January 15th—in one particular book. He has been using his mouth to remind us since then.’

This increment also worries prospective residents. Halimah, who planned to move to Maintenance, shared, ‘During the holiday, I already planned to rent a space. The hostel I wanted was collecting ₦215,000, but when I went back recently, the rent had been increased to ₦225,000. I was unable to pay because I hadn't budgeted for the extra money. Now I may have to start looking for cheaper hostels off-campus.’

Students’ Union Responds to the ‘State of Emergency’

Meanwhile, residents are now calling on the Students’ Union to revisit the matter. Speaking with the Welfare Officer of the SU, Shuaib-Osunleke Musab, on the progress of the state of emergency, he said, ‘After we declared a state of emergency, we addressed the issue with the school management and the owners of different hostels in Maintenance. We also went on inspection to all Maintenance hostels.’

He explained that because these hostels are privately owned, the union has no direct capacity to regulate prices. ‘Maintenance hostels are private hostels. The agreement the school signed with them cannot control the price; we can only lobby as a union to plead with them to review the price. For now, the union has decided to carry out inspections. We have appointed a representative to each hostel to collect the list of issues, and after this is completed, we will have a meeting with the school management and the owners to find a way forward and ensure everyone gets the worth of their money.’

OAU Declares Two-Day Lecture-Free Period for Freshmen Ahead of Matriculation

 By Pipeloluwa Ojelade

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has declared Wednesday, 14 January 2026, and Thursday, 15 January 2026, as lecture-free days for all new students of the institution. The announcement was contained in a special release issued on January 13, 2026.

According to the release, the decision aims to enable newly admitted students to complete their document verification and clearance processes within their respective faculties. The lecture-free days will also allow new students to participate fully in the matriculation ceremony scheduled for Thursday, 15 January 2026.

Relief for Freshmen

Reactions from fresh students across various faculties revealed mixed but largely positive feelings toward the announcement. 

Oloko Mariam, a 100-level student from the Faculty of Arts, said the announcement brought relief to many new students still adjusting to campus life. ‘Everything is still new for me, and moving from one office to another for clearance can be stressful. The lecture-free days reduce pressure and help us focus on important registration activities,’ she said.

Similarly, Samuel Adeyemi of the Faculty of Social Sciences noted that balancing lectures with clearance and payment processes would have been difficult. ‘This decision will really help us prepare properly for matriculation without feeling rushed,’ he stated. 

Blessing Okorie, a 100-level student in the Faculty of Education, emphasised the importance of the policy in ensuring full participation in matriculation. ‘Nobody wants to miss matriculation. Having these days free gives us enough time to sort out our documents and be fully prepared,’ she said.

Mixed Reactions on Campus

Daniel Ogunleye, a 100-level student from the Faculty of Science, described the move as a practical step. According to him, ‘The clearance process can be tiring, especially for students coming from far places. Without lectures, it is easier to move around and complete everything on time.’

Zainab Bello, a 100-level student from the Faculty of Pharmacy, also commended the decision, noting that it reflected an understanding of the challenges faced by newly admitted students. She also said, ‘The lecture-free days will help me avoid missing classes because of clearance and registration. It also helps me skip early 8 a.m. classes while still preparing for Matriculation on Thursday.’

However, Ahabe Joy, a 100-level student from the Faculty of Administration, said the lecture-free days felt like a normal period for her, having already completed her registration. 

‘Since I have finished my clearance and registration, it does not really change much for me. It just feels like a normal day,’ she explained.

The lecture-free days are expected to ease administrative processes and contribute to a successful matriculation exercise for the university’s newly admitted students. However, all fresh students must complete payment of all necessary fees to participate successfully in the matriculation exercise.