Encouragement has been given by the administration of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, for members of the university community to carry out their civic duties with a strong commitment and alertness.
In a circular issued on Monday by the university’s Registrar and Secretary to Council, Adetunji Bakare, the advice was offered considering the upcoming nationwide hunger protests set to kick off on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
Bakare advised students who have finished their exams to go home and be with their families. Still, those who are still writing exams should maintain peace and comply with the law.
“A nationwide protest is being planned to commence on August 1, 2024. In light of this, the Vice-Chancellor has urged staff and students of Obafemi Awolowo University to prioritize their individual and collective security and also protect university properties. They are also reminded to abide by the law before, during, and after the planned protest,” the registrar mentioned.
“Members of the university community are encouraged to fulfill their civic duties with utmost commitment and alertness. The university’s security unit has been tasked with monitoring the entire university premises,” the statement added.
A student named Kazeem Olalekan informed PUNCH Online that he and some other students plan to protest peacefully, as is the tradition of OAU students.
“We are recognized as the only institution where protests are conducted by students without damaging public property. The management has simply reminded us to comply with the law as we engage in the protest, the essence of the circular. The university administration has clarified to the public that, as students, we will follow the law before, during, and after the protest, as stated in the circular,” he stated.
Kazeem mentioned that the police had assured them of safety.
On Monday, a non-governmental organization, ActionAid Nigeria, appealed to the federal government to ensure the rights and safety of Nigerian youth planning the nationwide protest.
The organization stressed the significance of citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest.
On Sunday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, urged Nigerians to exercise patience and give President Bola Tinubu more time to address the country’s economic challenges.
Tunji-Ojo, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, highlighted the complexity and historical depth of the nation’s economic issues.
“Mr. President, to my understanding, never campaigned as a magician, but as a statesman. The campaign was based on ‘Renewed Hope’. Before hope could be renewed, it had declined,” Tunji-Ojo expressed.
He pointed out that resolving economic problems rooted in years of mismanagement cannot be achieved overnight.