Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has banned 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. lectures following student protests over irregular schedules. The university emphasized adherence to official class hours (8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) and warned against violating Lecture Free Week. The Great Ife Students’ Union has urged strict enforcement of the directive.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has officially barred lecturers from scheduling classes before 8:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m., following student concerns over inconvenient academic schedules.
In a statement issued by the institution’s Registrar, K.A. Bakare, the university emphasized that lectures must only take place within designated hours and warned against violations, including holding classes during the Lecture Free Week.
The directive follows ongoing agitation from students, particularly the Great Ife Students’ Union, which has condemned early morning and late evening classes, as well as unauthorized weekend lectures. The union stressed that such practices negatively affect students’ academic balance and well-being.
“It is disheartening to see these irregularities become a norm. Classes at 7:00 a.m., weekend lectures, and violations of Lecture Free Week disrupt the intended academic structure,” the students' body stated.
The union further urged the administration and the Division of Student Affairs to ensure strict compliance, warning that failure to do so could lead to further actions.
“The university must act swiftly to protect students’ rights. If these concerns are ignored, we will be forced to take decisive measures,” the union added.
Students have been encouraged to report any violations through their class representatives. The Vice-Chancellor also called for cooperation from both staff and students to uphold the new regulations.
With this directive, OAU aims to create a more structured academic environment that supports student welfare while maintaining educational standards.
