Intra Campus Transport Committee: Students Critique on Price Update

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Oluwaseun FATOPE

The Intra-Campus Transport Committee (ICTC), whenever they make any changes to transportation prices, seldom informs students in advance. Often, it is only upon reaching their destinations that students discover the fare has increased, leading to confusion and arguments between drivers and passengers. This lack of communication has caused significant frustration among students, as unexpected fare hikes disrupt their budgets and lead to uncomfortable confrontations. Students must be promptly informed about changes to transport prices to avoid such issues.

Recently, several students have voiced their dissatisfaction with the ICTC’s lack of transparency. Many emphasized that the Student Union bears the responsibility of keeping students updated on price adjustments made by the Transport Committee. Surprise Ayo shared a personal experience of a sudden fare hike. “My destination was Zik Hall, which I knew to be 100 naira, but when I went to pay, I was asked for 150,” she recounted. A similar incident occurred when she took a taxi to Queens Hall during her first year. She was charged 600 naira for a ride she later learned should have cost only 400. Ayo suggested that regular updates, perhaps weekly, about transport fares should be provided to both new and returning students to prevent fraudulent practices. “When students are unaware of the fares, these Keke drivers take advantage and scam us,” she added. However, when asked about steps to take in the absence of timely announcements, she admitted, “I don’t know the next step to take.”

Adekunle Matthew, a 200-level Geology student, shared a similar experience. He recounted a moment of embarrassment when he only had 100 naira but was asked to pay 150. “If not for my friend who was also in the taxi, I don’t know what I would have done,” he said. Adekunle emphasized the need for the Student Union to provide timely updates and suggested that the effective date of any fare changes should be made public to prevent fraudulent charges. He also proposed displaying the new prices as stickers on the back of each Keke and taxi, a measure he believes would help prevent misunderstandings for visitors and new students alike.

Kehinde Mausi, although not a regular Keke user, noted that she was informed of a fare increase through a circulated notice, suggesting that uninformed students might simply be unaware. Supporting this view, Olamide Olanipekun stated that memos were indeed circulated, particularly regarding the most recent fare increment.

On December 13, 2024, a development from the ICTC announced a 50 naira increase for certain routes. OmoAdesope, a student representative, shared the news on social media: “There’s an increment of N50 but not across the board. Stops like Queens, Kuti, Bello, and SUB remain 100 naira, while Tech, Idia, Awo, and similar destinations are now 200 naira. Report any extra charges to the House Secretary, Elemide. The Student Union will release an official notice soon.” This post was made at 12:26 PM, yet the official Student Union memo, signed by the House Secretary and General Secretary, did not circulate until 1:36 PM. This delay highlighted inefficiencies within the Student Union, further frustrating students.

Zenas Olamide shared a story of her friend, who had to walk from Awo Hall to the main gate due to the sudden fare increase. Such abrupt changes have affected not only individuals but also hundreds of students across the campus. Moreover, some Keke drivers exploit situations where passengers lack cash, demanding additional fees for mobile transfers, an extra 50 or 100 naira in some cases.

Addressing corruption among transport workers and improving the Student Union’s responsiveness to student welfare are urgent matters. The sudden and unannounced fare increments have disrupted the lives of many students who rely on the campus transportation system. Given that students often budget meticulously for their mobility, the Student Union must prioritize timely communication regarding fare changes to prevent unnecessary discomfort and disputes.

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