To cushion the harsh effects of the high cost of transportation resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies, the management of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Northcentral Nigeria, has deployed three luxurious buses to provide free transport to students and staff commuting to and from the campus during peak periods.

A statement by the institution’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, disclosed that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, announced this additional measure at the end of the 296th Meeting of the institution’s Senate.

Prof. Egbewole expressed the management’s deep concern over the adverse effect of the exorbitant transportation costs on the University community and highlighted that the deployment of these buses builds upon the earlier provision of highly subsidized transportation. In June, two buses were introduced, charging a fare of N100 per drop.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the University management recognized the increasing hardship posed by transportation costs and decided to deploy an extra bus, making all three buses completely free for students and staff.

The three buses will be stationed at the University Bus Terminus at Tipper Garage, Tanke, between 6.30 a.m. and 7.00 a.m., departing for the campus by 7.15 a.m. Similarly, for the return journey at the end of work/classes, the buses will leave the Fountain Roundabout, near the Senate Building, at 3.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. on weekdays.

Prof. Egbewole also mentioned that the University management has intensified negotiations with the State government and private commuter bus operators to alleviate transportation hardships for staff and students. The State government has already released three buses to the University route, and private commuter bus operators have pledged not to charge exorbitant fares.

Furthermore, to support the seamless execution of the virtual lectures initiative, the University management will provide free data for all academic staff. The virtual lecture initiative was put in place to reduce the frequency of in-person lectures.

The Vice-Chancellor assured that more palliative measures to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal will be implemented once the University Governing Council is established. These measures, such as financial palliatives, require approval from the Governing Council.

Prof. Egbewole expressed appreciation to the students and staff for their understanding and urged them to continue cooperating with the University management to maintain harmony on the campus and surrounding communities.

Similarly, the management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has approved free rides for its staff to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal by the federal government. This intervention follows the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s approval of free rides for students and staff of tertiary institutions in the state, along with various other multisectoral packages to mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal. Additionally, AbdulRazaq approved the payment of a monthly stipend of N10,000 to all public sector workers to cope with the economic shocks caused by the subsidy removal.

According to the statement, the bus palliative for Kwara State Polytechnic will be effective from August 1st, providing free transportation for staff between Post Office and Oja-Oba every day, with operating hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.