Hunger Protest: OAU Urges University Community to Be Law-Abiding
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife has urged its community to be law-abiding ahead of the nationwide hunger protests starting on August 1, 2024. The university’s Registrar, Adetunji Bakare, advised students who have finished their exams to return home and those still taking exams to remain peaceful.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has called on members of the university community to conduct their civic duties with a "high sense of commitment and vigilance" in light of the upcoming nationwide hunger protests scheduled to begin on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
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In a circular issued by the university’s Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Adetunji Bakare, the administration advised students who have completed their examinations to return home and be with their families. Those still writing their exams were urged to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
The circular stated, "A nationwide protest is being planned to commence on August 1, 2024. In view of this, the Vice-Chancellor has enjoined staff and students of Obafemi Awolowo University to prioritize their individual and collective security, not neglecting that of the university properties. They are also advised to be law-abiding before, during, and after the planned protest."
Bakare emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, "Members of the university community are enjoined to go about their civic responsibilities with the highest sense of commitment and vigilance. The security unit in the university has been directed to keep surveillance over the entire university estate."
Kazeem Olalekan, an OAU student, said that he and other students plan to protest peacefully, a tradition upheld by OAU students. He noted, "We are known as the only school where students go on protest without vandalizing public properties. The management has just reminded us to be law-abiding as we embark on the protest, which is the essence of the circular."
Kazeem also mentioned that the police had assured the students of their safety during the protests.
On Monday, ActionAid Nigeria, a non-governmental organization, urged the federal government to ensure the rights and safety of Nigerian youths planning the protest. They emphasized the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, appealed to Nigerians for patience, urging them to give President Bola Tinubu more time to address the nation's economic challenges. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the complexity and historical depth of the economic issues, stating, "Mr President, to the best of my knowledge, never campaigned to be a magician; he campaigned as a statesman. He campaigned based on 'Renewed Hope'. Before hope could be renewed, it had dwindled."
