UNILORIN: Excavator leaves campus after students’ protest, court injunction

UNILORIN gate used to illustrate the story.

An excavator used for construction work on a disputed portion of land at the University of Ilorin was seen leaving the institution’s main campus days after students protested against the project and a court issued an interim injunction restraining further work at the site.

In a video obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday, the excavator is seen being moved out of the university premises.

However, the circumstances surrounding its departure remain unclear.

It could not be established whether the movement followed the court order, a decision by the contractor or another arrangement with the university management.

The development comes four days after students, led by Students’ Union President Adam Mozeed, staged a protest on 11 November over the excavation of part of a road on campus.

The students complained that the construction work was disrupting movement and could affect access to classes, particularly for students of the College of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Pharmacy.

Mr Mozeed said the union was dissatisfied with how the work began, accusing university management of failing to consult students or explain the project.

“We don’t know how long it’s even going to take. There was no problem with stakeholders’ engagement,” he said during the protest.

He called on the university management to explain why the road was being excavated and how the disruption would affect students.

The students’ protest coincided with an interim injunction the university obtained against Craneburg Construction Company Limited and persons whose names were unknown.

In an order dated 11 November, the Upper Area Court 1, Ilorin, restrained the company, its agents, privies and anyone acting through them from further clearing, constructing, developing or trespassing on land between the university’s College of Health Sciences and Faculty of Pharmacy.

The order followed an ex parte application by the university in suit number UACI/CVF/1173/2026.

The court granted the application and directed that the injunction remain in force pending the hearing and determination of the university’s motion on notice.

It adjourned the case to 16 November for the motion hearing.

The injunction was signed by Judge S. H. Ajumobi.

Although the excavator has now been seen leaving the campus, the video does not establish whether the contractor has withdrawn from the project permanently or whether other construction activities will continue.

The university management has yet to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding the construction work, respond to the students’ complaints or clarify the implications of the court order.

It was also unclear whether the university had reached any agreement with the contractor over the disputed land or the removal of the equipment.

The court order is interim and does not determine the ownership of the land or the substantive rights of the parties.

The next court hearing is scheduled for 16 November.