The Office of the Welfare Officer, Great Ife Students’ Union, hosted a pivotal meeting on January 15th to review prices of goods and services on campus. The Welfare Officer, Busari Timileyin ‘S&T’, and other members of the Students’ Union welfare committee convened the meeting, which brought together stakeholders, vendors, and union representatives to discuss critical matters regarding vendor operations.

The meeting aimed to facilitate constructive dialogue on price regulations within the campus, ensuring affordability and accessibility of goods and services for students. In his opening remarks, S&T emphasized the need for a price review, citing current economic realities and the union’s commitment to students’ welfare.
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S&T assured attendees that the meeting’s purpose was to deliberate, not mandate, prices, ensuring the outcome would be student-centric, reflective of the union’s dedication to students’ welfare, and considerate of vendors’ business sustainability. He acknowledged rising inflation and the constant changes in prices, highlighting the need for a thorough review of items.
During the meeting, vendors and service providers shared their challenges in maintaining current prices. Mr. Wuraola from Wuraola Store expressed frustration with transportation costs, citing difficulties with tricycle access and inflated bus prices. He also mentioned issues with fake transfers, which hinder business operations.
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Miss Adetoyese Kabirat Motunrayo, a vendor from Law Basement, highlighted the problem with the ₦10 transfer charges. She explained that market people do not accept transfers, and withdrawing cash incurs additional costs, making the ₦10 charges unsustainable for her business. She also noted that high electricity costs on campus contribute to the prices of water and other drinks.
S&T acknowledged these concerns and appealed to the vendors. He discussed potential solutions, suggesting they deduct transfer charges from students who try to avoid payment. He assured vendors that these issues would be addressed with students.
After extensive deliberations, the meeting yielded key decisions. Prices for essential commodities, including food, beverages, soap, stationery, water, and other essentials, were reviewed, regulated, and reduced. Transfer charges remained unchanged: 10 naira for purchases below ₦1,000 and 20 naira for purchases between ₦1,000 and ₦5,000.
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The union agreed to collaborate with vendors to establish a price control mechanism, ensuring fair and regulated prices. Vendors expressed cautious optimism about the price reductions but agreed to comply with the new prices.
In his closing remarks, S&T thanked attendees for their participation and assured them that the union would continue working tirelessly to ensure student welfare and support businesses. He urged vendors to adhere to the agreed-upon prices, warning that any attempts to exploit students would be met with swift action.