Ile-Ife, Osun State—The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, is celebrating a major upgrade to its internal transportation system following the donation of twenty-one brand-new shuttle buses by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON. The vehicles, which arrived on campus last Friday, October 10, 2025, represent the fulfilment of the first phase of a pledge to provide fifty buses to her alma mater.
The unprecedented gesture, confirmed by the University's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, on Sunday, October 12, marks a major step toward modernising the institution's internal mobility network. According to the PRO, the delivery comes exactly one year after Mrs. Tinubu first announced the commitment during a grand commemorative event on campus. The First Lady, during her visit in October 2024, had expressed deep concern over the heavy reliance on commercial motorcycles, locally known as Okada, as the primary mode of intra-campus transport, calling the system "unbefitting of a 21st-century world-class African University" and highlighting the associated risks and inefficiencies.
The Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, led the university management in receiving the white-coloured buses, which sparked jubilation among students and staff. Professor Bamire described the donation as "a luminous act of benevolence that illuminates the path toward institutional excellence". He emphasised that the initiative goes far beyond a simple gift of vehicles, calling it "a profound investment in the future of our scholars and the soul of our University."
The new fleet is poised to revolutionise campus commuting. The Vice-Chancellor explained that the buses will allow the university to establish dedicated, structured routes connecting hostels, lecture halls, administrative blocks, and recreational areas. This new system is expected to drastically enhance road safety by phasing out unregulated motorcycles, reducing congestion, and minimising accidents, thereby aligning with the institution’s vision for a safe and sustainable campus. Professor Bamire also noted that the move promotes inclusivity for persons with mobility challenges.
With the promise of twenty-nine more buses to follow, the university community is celebrating what they view as a beacon of hope for safer, more dignified mobility. The First Lady’s gesture has been lauded by the university management as a model of responsible and impactful alumni engagement, with Professor Bamire urging other graduates to emulate the act of giving back to the institution that shaped their careers.
