The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) has clarified concerns surrounding hostel accommodation balloting for returning undergraduates at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), explaining the confusion surrounding the use of the ‘OAU App’ during the exercise on 27 October.
In a memorandum issued on 29 October, the Division explained that the scheduled balloting did not take place as expected due to the inaccessibility of the Hostel Management System (HMS) on the university’s e-portal.
It further clarified that the ‘OAU App’ was developed by the university’s technical service provider but had not been officially launched or approved by the university management.
According to the memorandum, the service provider expressed regret over activating the app for the balloting exercise without the knowledge of the DSA. The Division also noted that students had not been informed of the development, describing the situation as unfair, particularly as it had earlier directed that the balloting be conducted through the university’s e-portal.
The memorandum also stated that the initial balloting exercise scheduled for 27 October was disrupted by network congestion on the e-portal.
‘Consequently, any unauthorized processes undertaken in connection with the exercise are hereby declared null and void,’ the memorandum stated.
The Division, through the Vice Dean, Prof. Lukman Olasunkanmi, assured returning undergraduates that the bedspace balloting would be rescheduled as soon as possible. It added that further information regarding the exercise would be communicated to students soon.
The DSA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a fair, transparent, and orderly balloting process for all students. It also appreciated students for their patience and cooperation while acknowledging any inconvenience caused by the development.
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