Students of Obafemi Awolowo University have registered their displeasure on the effect the recent hike in the price of transportation has on them and their well-being. Recall that the Association of Ife Mini Bus popularly known as Town-gboro released a circular which contained the hike in the price of transportation on 23rd of February.
Although, the GreatIfe SU elect-leaders reacted to the situation by providing Marcopolo bus to the teeming and stranded students. Many students still believe that the decision by the town-gboro is unfair to their physical, financial, and academic life.
While speaking with ACJOAU correspondent during an interview, some of them bitterly lamented that the effect the hike has on them is overwhelming.
Monday, a part 4 Law student said “the hike double as a second headache to the ASUU strike. I must say that the initial #80 price is not comfortable for me and many others. Now that it is been hiked to #100, I honestly don’t know how to react, transport fare has always been eating deep into my stipend. I fund myself and that means I have to cut cost and work hard to keep up my daily existence. #1000 weekly for transport threatens my survival.”
Ali, a part 4 Mathematics student while commenting on the situation said; “I went to Sabo Market to get foodstuff. I spent #700 for the t-fare because I took a bike since the town-gboro went on strike. It is annoying. We all understand that the price of fuel is not what is used to be some days ago, but the hike in t-fare isn’t necessary.”
A part 2 Architecture student known as Wunmi also retorted; “though I understand that there is fuel scarcity now but the increase in t-fare on campus will not favour the students. Reason is that if the students pay for the current amount now, one of the challenges they will face is the issue of change. For example, people going to Lagere might end up paying #150 instead of the fixed #120 if the driver does not have change. I suggest that town to Lagere should be #100 and gate to hall #70.”
In the same vein, Damilola, a part 3 Chemical Engineering student said; “the hike only causes anger and frustration to me. We now have to stress ourselves in negotiating with the bike men who see the town-gboro strike as an opportunity to extort. Delay in moving from and to campus also disrupted my plans. It is frustrating”
Likewise, Sade, a part 3 Education Foundations and Counselling student also said; “personally, it is a discomfort for me. I am not just a student but also an entrepreneur. The increment is affected my concentration on academics because I might be stabbing classes since means of transportation is difficult. Delivering goods to my customers on campus and off-campus is now choking. My sales have reduced because nobody wants to pay the same amount for goods and delivery.” Micheal, a Part 1 student of English Language also commented on the situation saying; “the hike is negatively affecting me physically, emotionally and financially. I spent the time I could have used to do something tangible to hustle for the bus yesterday. Many students like me would have no option but to stay at home and stab classes. This can affect me academically because this is the best time to build my CGPA. I plead with the bus drivers to please have mercy on us.”
The situation of the hike in price is an issue that the appropriate authorities need to look into as soon as possible so that students who stay off-campus due to unavailability of accommodation on campus can be considered and life will not be made unbearable for them.
At the time of filling this report, effort to reach the representative of town-gboro has not yielded a positive result.