The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife after its emergency senate meeting held on Sunday has asked students to vacate the school. It was gathered that the closure, which was tagged as ‘mid-semester break’ was connected to the continuous protest by workers under the auspices of Non Academic Staff Union, OAU chapter.

The workers, who started with a warning strike on July 1, alleged that their hazard allowances have not been paid for about 64 months. When contacted, the University Public Relations Officer, Mr. Biodun Olarewaju, explained that the university declared a ‘mid semester break’ not closure.

 CEOAFRICA correspondence gathered that such break has never been declared by the university since its establishment. Olarewaju said, “At the emergency meeting of today, the senate has approved that the management should give the students a mid-semester break, not closure. We will communicate to you in due course. The students should enjoy their Sallah celebration.”

When asked if the break was connected to the unpaid workers protest and proposed Monday (today) strike, the PRO said, “I don’t think so. The management wants the students to be well prepared for their academics. The students are supposed to proceed on the break tomorrow (Monday).”

Meanwhile, Chairman of the NASU, OAU Chapter, Comrade Wole Odewunmi, had hinted our correspondent that they would embark on total strike on Monday (today).