VOX POP: Mixed reactions trail new intra-campus transport fares

By Aduwo, Ayodele

Following the recent release on the regulation of prices of transportation in the University, there have been different reactions from students regarding this upward review of  transportation fares, which according to the University management will become effective as from Monday, March 13, 2023.

Earlier on, the University management through a special bulletin dated Friday, March 3, 2023 explained that the new assessment of transportation rate is in tandem with the “apparent economic downturn, occasioned by a 100% increase in the pump price of petrol” in the country.

AFAS Press correspondent, Aduwo Ayodele, spoke with students in the university to get their views on the latest development.

Reacting to this development, a Communication and Language Art student, and resident of Obafemi Awolowo Hall of Residence, Morayo Adeniyi, in her opinion noted that the increase was necessary and valid, with regards to the general increase in petrol price in the country.

“I think the upward review is necessary due to the obvious hike in petrol price. The cost of transportation everywhere has increased. Students will definitely be aggreived for some time, but these measures have to be put in place for the transport workers to make ends meet”, Morayo said.

Bunmi, a Classics student and resident of Queen Elizabeth Hall suggested that the new prices are reasonably justified considering social factors at play.

“I think the review is still reasonable enough and are not too much not to be able to bear with. I know that we are students and we might not have cash to go around and that this might affect some people. But come to think of it, it is reasonable considering the hike of petrol, cash scarcity, and the stress of going through queues in fuel stations, in an effort to get one with a bearable price”, she said.

Another student, Daniel Elemide, a resident of Nmandi Azikiwe Hall of Residence in his reaction expressed a mixed feeling on the new development. While he considered that the increase was necessary, he stressed on the need for a careful re-assessment.

“In my opinion, the increase in the prices of some areas within the school premises is justifiable while in other areas (e.g Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall which I am a resident and Indy Hall) are absurd. Zik and Indy Hall are not as far as Awo is from the school gate, so why pay the same price?”

“The most unfair development for me are the conditions with which students are faced with when they want to take drop. Besides the increase in price of “drop”, why would car drop not take more than two passengers when it can comfortably take four? Tricycle drop not being allowed to take more than one passenger is also very absurd”, he added.

Faith Adediran, a student of the Faculty of Art in his own reaction, observed the noticeable absence of the Student Union in the entire affairs.

“First, I am opinionated of the fact that that school administration reviewed the inter-school transportation charges without the involvement of the Students’ Union in the committee set up for the review. Rightly so, for the review to become acceptable to the students, the Students’ Union must be involved in the review.”

“On the published transportation charges, as much as the hike in the price of petrol has triggered the need to review the transportation charges, it should be noted that it will be ideal for the price from the school gate to all Halls of Residence remain #50 while to other specified locations should be determined by the distance”, he added.

Ola Samuel, a Philosophy student, concerned about the effect of the new prices, underscored the considerable need to make transportation bearable for students who mostly enjoy the service.

“I’m really disappointed in the SU release, it’s obvious the management didn’t consult them before making this decision. I feel it should be reviewed. And that prices should go back to their normal rates. They should cut costs and make academic voyage bearable for learners.”

Also reacting, Ayodeji Isaiah, a student of Faculty of Law opined that the  distance of the destinations be factored in respect to their nearness and how further they are. Thus, he stated that the prices to Nmandi Azikiwe and Independence halls of residence should be redressed.

“I don’t think there is much difference between Zik and Bello Hall. The prices from the main gate to Zik and Indy Hall are too much. The closeness of these two locations should be considered, relatively to Bello Hall.”