Beyond Beautification: OAU’s Road 1 Walkway Project Reshapes Campus Life

By Joseph Ogungbe

The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife community, has witnessed a notable shift in both the inward and outward appearance of the campus in recent months. Since 2024, several infrastructural and environmental projects have been reshaping familiar spaces within the campus environment, which has got students and staff members talking. To some, these notable changes reflect a renewed intentionality on the part of university management to enhance the campus's beauty and create a conducive learning environment for all.

Some of the projects include the repainting of the Yellow House (home to the Department of Mathematics) and the White House, which housed the Departments of Biochemistry and Geology. Included also is the renovation of the Amphitheatre and Odùduwà Hall.

Landscape view of the pedestrian walkway

Reclaiming Africa's Most Beautiful Campus

While these projects are still ongoing, one major project that stands out and is garnering more reactions lately is the ongoing horticultural and pedestrian walkway project along Road 1. This is bringing OAU close to reclaiming its title as Africa's Most Beautiful Campus.

According to Falola Nathaniel, a 400-level student, ‘This transformation makes Road 1 feel more human-centred and safe.’ As is now observed, trekkers and cyclists use the walkway, unlike before, when they struggled to share the tarred road with vehicle owners.

Another student, Adebayo Emmanuel, who frequently plies the road, appraised the newly designated pedestrian lanes of the project.

‘I have been using the road since 2017. I often use the road at least three times a week, especially during early morning or late-night prayer walks with friends. Before, we used to walk on the pathway created through constant walking along the roadside. We would be watching out for moving vehicles. But now that it is more defined, we can confidently do our thing using the pedestrian train,’ he added.

Sharing his own view, Okotete Gideon, a 400-level student, expressed delight with the project.

‘I am impressed, actually,’ he said. While he initially felt the project was undertaken solely for the 49th convocation ceremony, he agreed that it would not only beautify the campus at this time but also serve future generations.

Impact on Campus Ecology

Dr O.P. Aluko, a lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies who frequently commutes on the road, shared his perspective on the new ongoing development, saying, ‘Formerly, people who jog do so on the main road and on the pathway’ before the project commenced.

‘It has now contributed positively to the OAU community. I can say that it has encouraged some people to jog, which they now do every morning, especially on Saturdays. I do see them every Saturday,’ he continued.

Aside from the walkway, there is also deliberate planting of trees and flowers of different species. This horticultural and pedestrian-friendly intervention goes beyond beautification. Rather, it envisions how the environmental design would shape campus life as a whole.

For every interviewed Road 1 user, the road had always been functional rather than inviting. However, the aesthetic shift of a designed walkway, featuring the addition of flowers/tree plants, has contributed to a renewed sense of pride in the campus environment.

On environmental consciousness and campus ecology, Dr O.P. Aluko emphasised another value of the trees serving as windbreakers, especially once they grow fully. In the event of strong winds, dust movement, or harsh weather conditions, the trees would help reduce wind velocity, limit soil erosion, and improve air quality along the passageway, which would extend to other parts of the campus environment.

Beyond these, the greenery is also expected to support biodiversity by creating a more habitable environment for birds and the almighty ‘campus bats’, while contributing to a cooler, healthier, and more sustainable campus ecosystem in the near future.

These observations align with broader discussions about sustainability in institutional settings, with the project both practical and symbolic in a climate-conscious era.

Concerns Over Long-Term Maintenance

However, while responses were largely positive, expressed concerns centred on long-term maintenance, as many noted that OAU lacked a maintenance culture for some of the architectural projects around the campus over the years.

In this light, Nathaniel said, ‘maintenance is a concern because without consistent care, the plants and walkway could deteriorate over time.’

He continued, ‘One challenge is that some parts still feel unfinished or uneven, which can be inconvenient during peak hours. ‘I would suggest proper lighting at night and clearer separation for cyclists,’ he further added.

For Adebayo Emmanuel, he said, ‘I have not noticed any issues so far, but I am concerned about the sustainability of it and maintenance.’ ‘If the horticulturists can do due diligence, all will be fine,’ another interviewed student added.

Gideon, on his part, said, ‘The other side of the road is not as beautiful as the incoming side of the road,’ emphasising his concern that the project is mainly a one-sided one.

These concerns underscore the importance of school management to view the project not as a finished product, but as an ongoing initiative.

Future Expectations and Habits

Many interviewees agreed that the Road 1 transformation should not stand alone, with many suggesting that similar projects should be extended to other major areas of campus and student residential routes.

‘Road 7 area should receive similar attention, especially the road to the gate,’ Gideon said. He further added, ‘Some cool spots like shady areas along the walkway with seats should be considered.’

Emmanuel, earlier interviewed, also mentioned that ‘places like Quarters should also receive the same attention as many students live around there as well.’

The introduction of the walkway has had a tangible impact on daily life, especially for students who trek long distances from the campus gate to destinations such as lecture theatres, hostels, or the central market. The separation from vehicles has improved safety and comfort.

Admitting the impacts of the development, Nathaniel said, ‘The pedestrian walkway has improved my experience as a walker. It has increased my sense of safety and reduced stress while walking. It has also encouraged me to trek more often instead of looking for transport.’

Emmanuel added that ‘having a pedestrian train made it easier for us to walk as the security and safety of the students are guaranteed.’

With these reports, it is clear that the development has subtly changed many pedestrians’ habits, as trekking has become a more attractive option than boarding campus ‘town-gboro’ or biking, especially during short trips to banking areas, local government bus stops, and other destinations.

As one respondent student put it, 'It finally feels like a university space that was designed with pedestrians in mind and not just movement for only vehicles from the campus gate to the first bus stop.'

Studying Till Day Break: How ‘Jacking’ Ritual Fuels Ambition for OAU’s Nocturnal Readers

By Divine-Mercy Abioye

Night reading has become a defining feature of academic life within Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). Colloquially termed ‘Till Day Break’ or ‘Jacking’, the practice sees students occupying lecture theatres and other academic spaces long after sunset in a pursuit of concentration, safety, and academic success.

Across the campus, it is common to find students reading late into the night in various lecture halls, faculty buildings, and designated reading areas. While the university library (Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library) traditionally serves as the primary academic space during the day, many students turn to alternative locations at night, transforming these spaces into informal study centres. Popular spots include Oduduwa Hall Lecture Theatre (ODLT), the Law, Social Sciences, and Administration basements, Amphitheatre (AUD I and II), the Faculty of Agriculture, Awolowo and Fajuyi Hall Cafeteria, Admin extension, and Motion Ground.

Students studying in ODLT at night.

Burning the Midnight Oil, Students Perspectives on Night Reading 

For many students, nighttime reading offers a quieter environment and improved focus compared to daytime study. Bukola Fasan, a Food Science and Technology student who lives off-campus, explained that steady campus lighting and the convenience of staying overnight make it easier to study effectively.

‘I sometimes stay overnight because the night is quieter and I can focus better,’ she said. ‘The campus also has steady light, which really helps with studying.’

Hammed Ajayi, a student in the Faculty of Law, said that night reading helps him manage his heavy academic workload and stay motivated.

‘Personally, I do overnight reading because I tend to assimilate faster at night; seeing other students studying overnight also keeps me motivated,’ he said.

Sight of Students Reading in Awolowo Cafeteria at Night

Speaking about her study habits, Blessing, a student of Science and Technology Education, noted that night reading keeps her alert. She explained that she often dozes off when studying in her room but remains awake when she comes out to read at night. Students cited several reasons for choosing night reading, including heavy academic workloads, daytime lectures, and personal learning preferences.

Safety remains a key consideration in students’ choice of night reading locations. Many students prefer areas they consider secure, such as lecture theatres with functional lighting and regular student traffic. Reading in groups is another common practice, as it provides a sense of safety and shared vigilance during late hours. These locations also offer an environment more conducive to learning than hostels, which are often crowded and noisy.

For some, night reading serves as a coping mechanism to deal with limited hours for reading during the day and to balance extracurricular activities with academic responsibilities. The sense of community in these spaces often mitigates the exhaustion that comes with staying up until dawn.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Night Reading 

Night reading can be highly effective for students who are aware of their personal learning rhythms. Nocturnal readers, often referred to as ‘night owls’, are naturally more alert and focused during evening or late-night hours. For these learners, studying at night can provide an optimal environment for understanding complex material.

According to a PubMed publication, it was found that reviewing material at night, followed by sleep, can improve retention. Sleep helps the brain process and store new information, meaning that students who study before bed may remember material more effectively. However, it is essential to note that night reading is not suitable for everyone. Excessive night study and irregular sleep patterns can negatively affect attention, memory, and overall academic performance.

As academic demands continue to increase, night reading remains an integral part of student life within OAU. The culture reflects not only students’ determination to succeed but also their ability to overcome challenges. While jacking can enhance focus for some, it is essential to strike a balance between academic commitment and personal well-being.

 

What We Wear: Decoding Students' Fashion Sense and the Dress Code Controversy on Campus

 By Elijah Olusina

One of the first things that stands out on campus is the diversity of fashion and dressing styles amongst students. Students wear a variety of outfits to express their personalities and emotions. It is not only about appearance, but dressing styles also serve to convey and signify the different groups or departments they are associated with. From casual wear to corporate attire, fashion has become an easy way for students to showcase their creativity and individuality.

Akorede Emmanuel, a student of Building, gave his opinion on clothing amongst students on campus, saying, ‘Most students wear what they like and what they feel comfortable in, regardless of whether it is indecent or not. 

‘Also, most people like to follow trends, so they end up wearing the latest clothes or styles that are popular,' he said.

Adesoji Mary also gave her view on how students dress on campus and what might be the motivation or idea behind it.

‘Personally, I like to wear what I am comfortable in, and my dressing sometimes is just based on my mood. My style of dressing also gives me confidence and helps people know my identity,' she said. 

‘I am a model, so when people see me dress the way I dress, it tells them that I am a model or something along that line, and I also get clothing ideas and inspiration from my role models.’

Additionally, campus dressing styles can also be influenced by departmental dress codes that require students in specific faculties to adhere to particular attire. For instance, Law students are required to wear black and white as their designated dress code. Similarly, Accounting students are generally expected to dress in formal corporate attire.

Inioluwa Akanbi, when asked her opinion on corporate dressing amongst students, had a unique perspective. 

‘I also love to dress corporate, but not every time. Students who dress corporate every time are probably following a departmental dress code or just love dressing like that. I like to dress in different styles and not only in one way, as it can limit my creativity and expression.’

Meanwhile, earlier in July 2025, a viral dress code widely circulated across campus, where several dressing styles were tagged as ‘misconduct’, and students found guilty of wearing them risked expulsion for one (1) to two (2) semesters depending on the nature of the offence. Misconducts like wearing backless clothes, dreadlocks, or micro or skimpy dresses, nose and mouth rings attracted a one (1)-semester rustication, while coloured hairstyles, hair braiding for males, kissing, and hugging of the opposite sex warranted a two (2)-semester rustication.

While it was eventually denounced by management due to the condemnation and backlash it received from the general student community, including the Great Ife Students’ Union (GISU), its proponents still hold sway in discussions about dressing styles on campus, with some students in favour and others opposed to it.

Mosunmola, a third-year Mass Communication student, gave her opinion on the suggested dress code in an interview, stating, ‘I thought it was a joke when I first heard about it because this is a university, not a secondary school; the new clothing restrictions are overly strict, and the penalties are severe. Implementing this dress code would reduce our ability to express ourselves, and it can also hinder creativity.’

While the majority of students opposed the idea of the dress code, one student who wished to remain anonymous gave positive remarks about the dress code, stating, ‘The dress code is beneficial as it could help reduce indecency on campus since some students dress inappropriately and even bring such extreme styles into classrooms, which can distract others from their studies. However, I do disagree with the sanctions, which I find to be extreme.’

Ultimately, the way students dress reveals more than just style; it reflects their evolving identities. Whether it is a corporate outfit for a presentation or a casual look for a long day of class, each choice reflects how students feel and how they want to be seen.

As they move through school, their clothing becomes a way to express themselves, make friends, and stand out in the campus environment.

₦200M Power Debt, AI Phones, and ₦1 Million for BGS: 8 Controversial Things You Missed at OAU’s 49th Convocation

By Ogunlana Klistivivi

Crowning weeks and days of anticipation and preparations, the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, officially concluded its Forty-Ninth (49th) Convocation Ceremony, graduating a total of six thousand, five hundred and sixty-two (6,562) students. The event, which took place from Thursday, 11 December, to Saturday, 13 December 2025, saw the conferment of bachelor's degrees, diplomas, and postgraduate degrees to several graduates.

The graduates include five thousand, two hundred and fifty-three (5,253) students for classified bachelor's degrees, two hundred and ninety-six (296) students for unclassified bachelor's degrees, fifty-four (54) students for Undergraduate Diplomas, nine hundred and fifty-nine (959) students for Postgraduate degrees, including one hundred and ninety-one (191) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.

If you were unable to follow the event, do not worry; OAUPeeps brings you eight things you might have missed from the convocation ceremony:

1. Shock or surprise? Only two hundred and eighteen (218) First Class Honours 

That is left for you to decide. Of the total of five thousand, six hundred and three (5,603) undergraduates, only two hundred and eighteen (218) made First Class. The rest of the story is that of the remaining five thousand, three hundred and eighty-five (5,385) graduands: two thousand, one hundred and thirty-two (2,132) earned Upper Second Class Honours (2.1), and two thousand, two hundred and forty-four (2,244) earned Lower Second Class Honours (2.2).

 2. OAU launches AI-Powered Smartphone

Have you heard of a Nigeria-built AI phone? Look no further. During the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor announced that the institution had launched its own AI-powered smartphone, the Oak.io X55, along with an AI-powered smartwatch, the Fit Band X1. Both of which were officially unveiled at the university’s Symposium on AI and Robotics in Clinical Practice in September 2025.

Source: Techeconomy

 3. ₦1 Million for BGS, ₦10 Million for the Department

 In a country where academic excellence begs to be rewarded (remember UNIBEN’s BGS from Nursing, Oluwatoyin, who was awarded thirty thousand Naira (₦30,000) as cash prize), things seem to be taking a new turn here in OAU. Amuke Sunday, the overall best graduating student in the Faculty of Technology, received a personal cash prize of one million Naira (₦1,000,000) from the MCOM Cables and Wires Limited Annual Award. Even his department, Computer Science and Engineering, was not left out, as it was awarded a separate ten million Naira (₦10,000,000) annual grant.

 

BGS of Each Faculty on Campus

Note: BGS for the Faculty of Law was not explicitly named nor included in the order of proceedings made available for the ceremony; also, special mention to Adisa Aishat Olayinka for receiving the Chief (Mrs) Ajibola Adedewe Memorial Prize for the Best Final Year Graduating Female Student in the University with a CGPA of 4.87.4. 

4. Faculty of Agriculture and Big Numbers

Every election season, the Faculty of Agriculture prides itself as the ‘KKK’ of the OAU campus with the highest voting population. Yes, while the convocation ceremony was not an election, Agric did not let Tech steal the whole shine. While Tech dominated the cash prizes, Agric’s Omisakin Oyinkansola Roseline instead clinched the Alhaji Kabir Usman prize for Best Overall Graduating Student with the highest number of prizes, showing again that when it comes to this numbers thing, no be by "cho-cho-cho"

5. OAU’s Newest Degree: Get Ready to Study "Leadership"

If you have always wanted to be a leader, you may soon have the opportunity to study ‘Leadership’ on campus at OAU. At least that was the condition the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, gave the school management if the Senate is to build a state-of-the-art Leadership Centre in the institution. Will that happen? Only time will tell.

6. OAU Pays ₦200M/Month for Electricity, Collects Only ₦50M

If there is one thing campus is well known for, it is its constant power supply. But do you know the cost of it? The VC during the ceremony presented a shocking statistic: OAU earns only fifty million Naira (₦50,000,000) as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from campus electricity usage, yet it pays a whopping two hundred million Naira (₦200,000,000) as electricity bills. In response, the VC passionately called on the Federal Government to urgently complete the abandoned 8.03MW power project, which has been stalled since 2018, as well as the infamous ‘Titanic’ New Senate Building.

 7. Mr Project ‘Nyesom Wike’ and the Ekiti Governor to build New Structures on Campus

Widely applauded for his infrastructural giant strides, the Minister of the FCT has pledged a new building to the Faculty of Law, as reported by the University’s Acting Pro-Chancellor. The Pro-Chancellor also noted that the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, also pledged to build a 1,500-capacity lecture hall for the university. Who knows, in the near future, you might just be walking around the Faculty of Law to see, “This Building was Built and Commissioned by Mr Project.”

8. PhD Graduates to take Gowns Home

In one of the random moments of the ceremony, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim gifted all PhD graduates their gowns permanently, promising that the Tenth Senate would cover the cost of all of them (ordinarily, each had to pay fifty thousand Naira (₦50,000) to own the gown permanently, otherwise they would return it). Want to know why he did so, in his exact words: “It is easier to get a PhD in Cambridge than Ife, because when you enter Ife, you do not know the year you will graduate.”

OAU’s 49th Convocation: Convo Rice, ‘Madam Tinubu’, Akpabio’s Visit, and 4 Other Things to You Should Not Miss

By Omotoso GodsDelight

Tomorrow marks the culmination of years of hard work, sleepless nights, and unforgettable memories for many on Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Campus. Convocation day is finally here. For many graduates, it is the moment they have dreamed about since their first day on campus, the moment that makes the stress, deadlines, and exams feel worthwhile. With six thousand, four hundred and fifty-four (6,454) students expected to graduate tomorrow, the campus is already bracing for a week of celebrations, traffic jams, and intense ‘item 7' politicking.  As campus gets ready for OAU’s Forty-Ninth (49th) Convocation, here are seven things to watch out for tomorrow.

1. The ‘Convo Rice’ WhatsApp Groups

Every convocation season comes with a special kind of chaos: the hunt for free food. Ahead of tomorrow, students have begun creating WhatsApp groups to share breaking news of places where food is being shared across campus. From amphitheatres to PG lecture theatres to Akintola Carpark, expect students to move in coordinated squads, carrying coolers and nylon bags, based on reports from this group, to secure meals and jotters that will last for days.  It is a full-blown campus-wide food hunt, and if you know, you know.

2. The Lagos–Ibadan Style Traffic

If you thought gridlock only happens in Lagos, wait until tomorrow. Just as Road 7 commuters always queue for the shuttle, expect a similar scene on campus roads tomorrow, this time with vehicles conveying thousands of parents, relatives, and well-wishers to the Amphitheatre. With the new '1000' gate pass policy for vehicles without official stickers and the rerouting of cars, expect the roads around the Main Gate, Students' Union Building (SUB), and Ibadan Road to become congested quickly, as personnel manage the crowd. Attendees should expect checkpoints, a heightened law enforcement presence, and controlled access, all of which are necessary to ensure a safe ceremony.

3. Akpabio in Ife

With the Senate President of Nigeria, Godswill Akpabio, scheduled to deliver the convocation lecture on Saturday, security on campus will be noticeably tighter. Areas around the Amphitheatre, Oduduwa Hall, and major access roads may experience restricted movement or brief delays as security personnel manage the crowd. Attendees should expect checkpoints, a heightened law enforcement presence, and controlled access, all of which are necessary to ensure a safe ceremony.

Senate President of Nigeria, Godswill Akpabio

4. ‘Begging Masters’ and 'Fake' Relationships

Convocation also brings out a special category of students affectionately known as ‘begging masters’. This is their season to thrive. You will hear all the classic lines: ‘Your son used to teach me tutorial in Part One,’ ‘Ma, I am like a brother to your daughter,’ ‘Daddy, I followed him to night class every day.’ All were designed with one aim: to collect food or souvenirs from generous parents. It is playful, strategic, and deeply rooted in OAU’s convocation culture.

5. The 217 First-Class Graduates

Among the sea of graduating students, the spotlight naturally falls on the two hundred and seventeen (217) first-class graduates walking the stage this year. They stand out not just for their academic excellence but also for the buzz that surrounds them. Expect interviews, photo ops, and plenty of admiration from fellow students. Their achievement adds an extra layer of pride to the ceremony, and they will likely receive special acknowledgement during the event.

6. The Free Convocation Play

One of the most anticipated highlights of convocation week is the Dramatic Arts Department’s convocation play, and the best part is that it is entirely free. Usually a paid event, the convocation edition draws massive crowds of students eager to experience high-quality theatre without spending a kobo. This year's play is centered around ‘Madam Tinubu’ and how her political and commercial influence has shaped yoruba's history. It is one of the few times you will see undergraduates, school officials, and alumni enjoying the same performance side-by-side. 

7. ‘Cash-Out Season’ for Student Entrepreneurs

For student entrepreneurs, convocation marks the peak of the business season. Photographers, make-up artists, gele stylists, food vendors, and transport operators are all out to make a profit. Overnight, prices will skyrocket as demand increases, and even simple services become premium. It is a booming informal economy that springs to life every convocation, and for many students, this period helps fund textbooks, rent, or even next semester’s expenses.

OAU Students Stranded as Bedspace Allocation Crisis Deepens

 ​By Ojelade Pipeloluwa

​Many students at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, have been left stranded following the conclusion of the bedspace allocation exercise on Friday, 3 October 2025. Despite many students applying on the portal, the online balloting exercise has once again failed to provide accommodation for a large number of students who participated. Several interviewed students who spoke to OAUPeeps expressed their displeasure at the situation, with many of them recounting how this has forced them to find accommodation off campus.

​One of the students OAUPeeps spoke to, Chidera Okafor, a 300-level student from the Faculty of Arts, narrated that the experience was far from desirable. Recounting the process, he said, 'I stayed up all night refreshing the portal, but I could not get a bedspace. Now I have to pay over One hundred and fifty thousand (₦150,000) for off-campus accommodation, which is far above the normal hostel fee.'

​Without an allocation from the portal, many students are forced to rent houses off campus at exorbitant costs, often with added stress. With a growing number of students unable to secure a space on campus, the burden of staying off campus is increasing significantly.

​Aisha Ibrahim, a 200-level student, said, 'The stress of attending early morning classes while commuting from off campus is really taking a toll on me.'

​For Samuel Oladipo, a 400-level student, staying off-campus has created severe transportation inconveniences for him. 'I now spend a significant amount on transportation, and it is affecting my ability to focus on my studies.'

​The plight of staying off campus has in recent times worsened with rising security incidents off campus. ACJOAU had earlier reported the rising state of robbery incidents targeting students living off campus. Apart from the psychological toll of such traumatic events, many have lost valuables at knifepoint or gunpoint, driving up interest for many to want to stay on campus.

​To understand the root of the challenge, OAUPeeps spoke with a staff member from the Division of Student Affairs (DSA). Speaking under anonymity, the official confirmed that the demand for bedspaces far exceeds the university’s current capacity.

​'We understand the students’ frustrations,' the official said. 'But the university simply does not have enough hostels to accommodate everyone. The balloting system is used to ensure fairness, but demand still outweighs supply.'

​This housing challenge raises important questions about the need for increased prioritisation by the university authorities toward expanding on-campus housing. While privately owned on-campus hostels like the Ojaja Hostel, Agnes Hostel, and OAK Hostel are coming in to address this housing deficit, they still do little to cater for demand considering that these hostels are hugely expensive and are not open for balloting on the school portal.

​Further, speaking with one of the experts at the university’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Center on the challenges students face while balloting, the expert explained that the balloting system is designed to allocate spaces automatically based on availability. According to him, high traffic during peak hours contributes to delays, slow responses, and occasional system failures.

​'The system is transparent,' he explained. 'But when thousands of students log in at the same time, the server becomes overloaded. We are working on improvements to reduce these technical issues.'