The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has taken delivery of 21 brand-new shuttle buses donated by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to the institution.

The Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Sunday, announced the delivery of the buses.

He said, “Exactly one year after announcing her commitment during a grand commemorative event, the University took delivery of 21 brand-new shuttle buses on Friday, 10th October, 2025, marking a significant stride toward modernising the institution’s beleaguered internal transportation system.”

Olarewaju revealed that the gesture, being part of a total pledge of 50 buses, sparked jubilant celebrations across the campus, saying students and staff alike hailed it as a beacon of hope for safer, more dignified mobility.

“The story traces back to October 2024, when Senator Tinubu, an illustrious graduate of OAU, graced the University grounds to attend the 50th birthday anniversary celebration of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni’risa (Dr.) Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II.

“Amid the festivities, the First Lady voiced profound concern over the many commercial motorcycles popularly known as ‘Okada’, as the primary mode of intra-campus transport.

“’This is not befitting of a 21st-century world-class African University,’ she remarked at the time, highlighting the risks and inefficiencies that plagued the system.

“Moved by her deep-rooted connection to the institution, she pledged to support its overhaul by donating shuttle buses, envisioning a fleet that would enhance safety, complement the university’s iconic aesthetics, and foster a more conducive environment for learning, culture and innovation,” the statement read partly.

After receiving the buses, Olarewaju said the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Simeon Bamire, alongside key members of the University management, conducted a ceremonial test drive around the campus.

Commenting, Bamire expressed profound gratitude, describing the donation as “a luminous act of benevolence that illuminates the path toward institutional excellence.”

He lauded Tinubu’s foresight, noting, “This is not merely a gift of vehicles; it is a profound investment in the future of our scholars and the soul of our University.

“As an alumnus herself, the First Lady understands the heartbeat of OAU, the aspirations, the challenges, and the unyielding pursuit of greatness.”

The VC painted a vivid picture of change, adding that “For too long, our transportation architecture has been tethered to the precarious whims of Okada riders, exposing our community to needless hazards on roads that should be sanctuaries of safety.

“These 21 shuttle buses, with the promise of 29 more to follow, will revolutionise our internal mobility.

“They will establish dedicated routes connecting lecture halls, hostels, administrative blocks, and recreational spaces, reducing congestion and minimising accidents. Imagine students arriving at classes without the dust and danger of open-air rides, or staff commuting in comfort that befits their dedication.

“This donation will drastically enhance road safety by phasing out unregulated motorcycles, enforcing structured timetables, and integrating eco-friendly practices that align with our vision of a sustainable campus.

“It is a paradigm shift that elevates OAU from reliance on outdated modes to a model of modern efficiency, ensuring that every journey within our gates is as enriching as the education we provide.”

He urged other alumni to emulate Senator Tinubu’s example, noting that OAU’s journey toward greater heights demands collective effort.