Students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, staged a peaceful protest on campus Monday to express their dissatisfaction over the prolonged delay in the issuance of identity cards, despite having paid the required fees since the beginning of the academic session.
The demonstrators, largely undergraduates from various faculties, marched across key administrative buildings holding placards with inscriptions such as “No ID, No Peace,” and “We Paid in Full, Deliver in Full.”
According to the students, the university management has failed to provide any concrete explanation for the months-long delay, which they argue has subjected them to unnecessary stress during security checks and limited their access to essential services.
“We paid for ID cards during our registration months ago. Now we are nearing the end of the semester and still, there is no sign of them. It’s not just unfair — it’s irresponsible,” said Ayomide Lawal, a 300-level student of Political Science.
The Students’ Union also weighed in, calling the delay a breach of trust and accountability. In a statement issued during the protest, Union President Temilade Ogunleye criticized the university administration for what he described as “administrative neglect.”
“The ID cards are not just formalities — they are essential for security, examinations, and campus identity. The management must prioritize student welfare by addressing this failure without delay,” the statement read.
In response to the protest, university spokesperson Abiodun Olanrewaju told reporters that logistical challenges with the printing contractor were to blame but assured that the situation is being resolved.
“We understand the students’ frustrations and sincerely apologize. The process is already in its final stages, and students will begin receiving their ID cards within the next two weeks,” Olanrewaju said.
However, student leaders have vowed to maintain pressure until the distribution begins, warning that further inaction could lead to escalated demonstrations.
This protest marks the latest in a series of student-led actions demanding greater transparency and accountability from university authorities.
source: guardian.ng
