OAU Students Begin 72-Hour Lecture Boycott Over Transport Crisis

Students of Obafemi Awolowo University have commenced a 72-hour lecture boycott over what they describe as an “inadequate and poorly implemented campus transportation system,” disrupting academic activities across the institution.

The protest, scheduled from April 14 to April 16, 2026, was declared by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) following a congress held on April 9 and subsequent leadership deliberations, amid mounting frustration over mobility challenges on campus.

In a statement jointly signed by SUG President, Adelani David, and Secretary-General, Habeeb Oke, the union directed all students to suspend academic activities during the period.

“The union shall embark on a total 72-hour lecture boycott… All academic activities are to be boycotted throughout this period,” the statement read.

The students said the decision followed weeks of persistent transport difficulties, which they claim have significantly disrupted lectures, examinations, and general movement within campus.

At the centre of the controversy is the university’s new transport policy tied to vehicles donated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu. The intervention involved the provision of about 80 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and tricycles aimed at improving mobility for students and staff.

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However, the SUG argued that the rollout has instead worsened commuting conditions. Students cited insufficient vehicles, overcrowding, long queues, extended waiting times, and poor route coverage as major challenges under the new system.

The union also criticised the university’s decision to restrict intra-campus transport to the newly introduced vehicles, noting that the removal of previously available commercial transport operators has further limited options.

According to the students, the situation is particularly difficult for those living off-campus, who now face fewer and more expensive alternatives outside the university’s transport network.

Despite several engagements with the university management, the SUG said there has been no immediate relief. Authorities reportedly described the challenges as part of a transitional “teething phase,” while promising that more buses would be deployed in the coming months to improve efficiency.

The students, however, insist that the current conditions are unsustainable for a campus population estimated at over 35,000, prompting the boycott as a form of pressure.

Among their demands are the deployment of additional buses, temporary reinstatement of the previous transport system, and the inclusion of student representatives in transport policy decisions.

They also called for a more flexible, hybrid transport model that accommodates both university-operated vehicles and private operators to ensure seamless mobility within and around campus.

The union warned that failure by the university management to address these concerns within the 72-hour window could trigger a larger protest.

“The leadership shall review the situation at the end of the boycott. Further actions such as a possible mass protest or march will be considered if our demands are not met,” the statement added.

The development highlights growing concerns about campus transportation in Nigerian universities, with stakeholders stressing that efficient mobility is essential for academic productivity and student welfare.

OAU Students Begin 72-Hour Lecture Boycott Over Transport Crisis

Germany Opens Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians, Africans

The government of Germany has announced the commencement of applications for the DAAD scholarship 2026 for Nigerians and Sub-Saharan Africans, offering fully funded opportunities for postgraduate study and research.

The programme, administered by the German Academic Exchange Service, is open to qualified graduates and postgraduates seeking to further their education in Germany’s top universities.

In an official announcement, authorities confirmed that the application deadline is April 29, 2026, urging interested candidates to submit their entries early due to the competitive nature of the scheme.

Opportunities for Nigerians and Africans

The Germany DAAD scholarship covers a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, public health, environmental sciences, economics, governance, and social sciences.

Germany remains a top destination for international students due to its tuition-free or low-cost education system, strong research infrastructure, and globally recognised academic standards.

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Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive funding package, including:

• Monthly stipends (approximately €900–€1,200 depending on level)
• Travel allowance
• Health insurance
• Accommodation support
• Pre-study German language training (where applicable)

The funding typically lasts 12–24 months for Master’s programmes and up to three years or more for PhD studies.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the DAAD scholarship for Nigerians, applicants must:

• Possess a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
• Demonstrate strong academic performance
• Provide proof of English or German language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
• Have relevant professional experience (for many courses)

Candidates must also submit a compelling motivation letter explaining how their studies will contribute to development in their home countries.

Application Process and Deadline

Prospective applicants are advised to carefully review the official DAAD guidelines and ensure that all required documents—including academic transcripts, CV, and recommendation letters—are submitted correctly.

Authorities stressed that late applications will not be accepted, urging candidates to apply well ahead of the April 29, 2026 deadline.

Rising Demand for German Scholarships

The DAAD scholarship 2026 is highly competitive, attracting thousands of applicants across Sub-Saharan Africa each year.

The initiative forms part of Germany’s broader commitment to strengthening global academic partnerships, supporting education, and developing future leaders across Africa.

With applications now open, qualified Nigerians are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to study in Germany and enhance their academic and professional careers.

Germany Opens Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians, Africans

JAMB Urges Candidates, Parents to Protest Admission Bias as CAPS Ensures Transparency

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has urged candidates and parents to speak up against admission bias if they are confident in their UTME scores but are denied admission into their preferred institutions.

JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, made this known during an interview on Good Morning Nigeria, a programme aired by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

He stressed that the current admission system, powered by the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), is designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

According to Oloyede, many parents still resort to illegal means because they believe admission cannot be secured without influence. He described this mindset as having “climbed the ladder to illegality,” warning that such actions are no longer necessary under the present system.

He explained that candidates who meet the required cut-off marks and admission criteria but are unfairly denied admission should formally protest through JAMB, as CAPS allows full visibility into the admission process.

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The registrar highlighted that CAPS enables candidates to track their admission status in real time, accept or reject offers, and ensures institutions follow approved guidelines. He added that the platform prevents schools from secretly manipulating admission lists or replacing qualified candidates.

Oloyede further revealed that since the introduction of CAPS in 2017, cases of admission irregularities have significantly declined, with no major systemic failure recorded.

Addressing concerns about Direct Entry admissions, he noted that JAMB has strengthened its verification process to curb fraud. This includes stricter checks on qualifications such as JUPEB and IJMB certificates, making it increasingly difficult to forge results.

He disclosed that the board now verifies academic credentials directly with awarding institutions, including foreign universities. According to him, recent checks uncovered several fake degrees, with some foreign institutions confirming that such certificates were not issued by them.

The registrar added that JAMB has intensified collaboration with universities and other regulatory bodies to ensure proper screening of A-level results and early detection of fraudulent applications.

He emphasized that with improved digital tracking and verification systems, any attempt to bypass the admission process will be detected, urging candidates to rely on merit rather than shortcuts.

Ultimately, JAMB reiterated that qualified candidates must defend their rights through official channels, as the system now supports fairness and equal opportunity for all.

JAMB Urges Candidates, Parents to Protest Admission Bias as CAPS Ensures Transparency