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.

OAU Directs 100-Level Students to Activate Portal Accounts for 2025/2026 Session

 By Salako Blessing

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has instructed all newly admitted 100-level students to log into the student portal to activate their accounts for the 2025/2026 academic session. This directive appeared as a ‘Very Urgent & Important Information’ pop-up on the official University Student Information Portal.

According to the notification, this step is mandatory for all 100-level students to ensure their accounts are officially activated for the upcoming session. This activation is a prerequisite for students to access essential academic services, including course registration, fee payment, and other critical student-related updates.

Students are advised to visit the official university portal and log in using their admission details to complete the process. The university emphasises that failure to activate accounts promptly may result in delayed registration or restricted access to various academic activities and services.

This move aligns with the university's recent efforts to realign the academic session for newly admitted students and integrate new curricula into the Course and Curriculum Management System (CCMAS). All affected students are encouraged to complete the activation process promptly to avoid potential administrative delays.

Passion, Responsibility, and Reward: OAUPeeps Officially Welcomes New Inductees

 By Elijah Olusina

On Saturday, 20 December 2025, OAUPeeps News Agency, a leading campus media organisation, held its induction ceremony for new members at the Social Science Lecture Theatre (SSLT). The event was held under the theme ‘Carrying the Campus Voice: Passion, Responsibility, and Reward’.

The ceremony, which was organised to officially welcome the new members of the agency, brought together students, existing members, executives of the organisation, and other distinguished guests. It was moderated by Alademehin Omotola, the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the agency.

Ceremony in Progress

The event commenced with an opening prayer led by one of the inductees, followed by a welcome address by Ogunlana Klistivivi, the Editor-in-Chief of OAUPeeps news agency. In his address, he shared his history with the organisation and his rise to the position of Editor-in-Chief, citing his passion and purpose for journalism as the primary factors behind his success.

He also expressed appreciation to David Adetula, the founder of OAUPeeps, and other former executives and Editors-in-Chief who served before him. Welcoming the new members, he urged them to make their mark on campus and work tirelessly to ensure their growth. 

‘Let it be clearly known that this moment is not the destination. It is only the starting point—one that opens you up to bigger, better opportunities in the journalism space,’ he stated.

Following the address, a brief ‘get-to-know’ session was held, during which inductees, alongside existing members and executives, introduced themselves, their positions, and their respective departments. The inductees also shared their motivations for joining the agency.

The goodwill message was delivered by Esther Olatimehin, the President of the Association of Campus Journalists, OAU (ACJOAU). She welcomed the inductees and lectured them on the realities of campus journalism, reinforcing that it is not always a ‘bed of roses’ and often comes with backlash for speaking the truth. She explained that being a campus journalist differs from being a public relations practitioner, as journalism involves conducting interviews, gathering facts, and verifying them through fact-checking.

President, ACJOAU addressing New Members

She further emphasized that journalists must be the voice of the students, addressing their issues and representing their views. When conducting interviews, she advised that journalists should ‘convince and not coerce’. 

Stressing that passion alone is insufficient, she remarked, ‘Passion without discipline is reckless.’ She also warned inductees against mixing professional work with personal relationships and urged them to uphold all journalism ethics.

Moving on, David Adetula, the founder of OAUPeeps, addressed the inductees, providing a brief history of the organisation. He emphasised that journalism is a demanding profession that requires passion, responsibility, and consistency. He urged the new members to always stand on the truth and pursue justice, as they represent the voice of the student community. 

He concluded his session with a commitment to support and reward exemplary members who demonstrate hard work and consistency through stories that make a significant impact. 

The ceremony reached its climax with the recital of the commitment pledge by the executives and new members as they were officially inducted. 

Recitation of Committment Pledge

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to both new and old members, followed by a photo session.

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.

 

Library Extends Closing Hours To 10 p.m. Following Student Complaints

By Ogunlana Klistivivi

Management of the Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library has extended closing hours following an OAUPeeps inquiry to the University Librarian’s office. This development follows complaints from students that the library was closing earlier than its traditional schedule on normal school days.

The Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library is a primary choice for many students on campus. Many come to read, while others use the opportunity to pass the time during lecture-free periods. Some enjoy it for its relative stillness compared to the hustle and bubble of the campus exterior; however, for the vast majority, it is a preferred reading location.

Students Recount Early Closure Struggles

In recent times, complaints reaching OAUPeeps have highlighted the library’s unusual 6 p.m. closure, as opposed to its traditional 10 p.m. closing time. Students expressed dissatisfaction with the early schedule, which forced them to find unconducive alternatives for their studies, severely affecting their academic work.

Oluwasolape Fabuluje, a 300-level student, complained about being forced to move to the ODLT when the library closed at 6 p.m. 

'Initially, when I first resumed coming to the library this semester, I was surprised, but I thought it was because we had just resumed. But school has resumed for about 5 weeks now, and they are yet to resume back to the normal time,’ he said.

He noted that this has been a great inconvenience because, unlike in the ODLT, the library offers personal space and a quiet, convenient environment. ‘I have to go look for a lecture theatre to substitute that time that I will be in the library from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., which is not as conducive as the library, but I just have to manage it.’ 

When asked what constituted this inconvenience, he added that the library is silent, and nobody disturbs him.

Impact on Academic Schedules

Another student, Habeeb, a 200-level student, said he was shocked the first time he heard the siren ring at 6 p.m., signalling all students to evacuate. 

‘I was shocked because, from what I know, it used to be 10 p.m. That day, I had no choice but to pack my things and leave,’ he said. 

He added that the change affected his reading schedule. ‘The library has been organised to be somewhere to read, and if I leave here by 6 p.m., I will have to go to the hostel, where I will probably sleep off or play around.’

Adeyemi Precious, a 300-level student, echoed these sentiments and urged the management to restore the timing. 

‘I want it to be back to normal when the library closes by 9:30 p.m. because now I have to leave the library earlier than usual and have to find another reading spot, which is not usually convenient for me.’

Management Reverses Temporary Policy

With these complaints, OAUPeeps reached out to the University Librarian’s office to clarify whether the arrangement was temporary or permanent. While official comments were difficult to obtain, a source in the office, who requested anonymity, stated that the arrangement was temporary and would soon be reversed. Security officers at the entrance also confirmed to OAUPeeps that the 6 p.m. closure was not a permanent policy.

Following the inquiry, we can confirm that the Library Management has announced the extension of closing hours back to the usual 10 p.m., effective Wednesday, 17 December 2025. A notice of this extension was placed at the library entrance and confirmed by our correspondent.