Cost of living crisis: UNILORIN students lament as motorists hike transport fares amid economic hardship

The students of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) have lamented an astronomical increase in campus transportation fares, saying they now scramble for free rides to their various destinations.

The hike followed the sudden removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu during his swearing-in in May 2023. Since then, Nigerians have had to work extra hard to survive. 

For UNILORIN students living in Òkè-Odo, MFM junction, Sanrab, and other areas outside the university community, they find it difficult to afford the transport fare to and from the campus due to fuel hike. They also told our reporters that the development is affecting their welfare. 

In a bid to ensure that their academic performances are not affected, some students either walk long distances or sleep on campus for days to attend their classes. Others choose between fewer classes or none at all.

Before the removal of subsidy, students living in areas like Oke-odo, Tanke, and Tipper Garage spent an average of ₦300 to commute to and from the university. But with the hike in transportation costs, they now spend an average of ₦600 daily. 

Lamentation 

Speaking with CAMPUS REPORTER,  a 200-level student of Mechanical Engineering who simply identified himself as Damilare, said he spends an average of ₦2,400 on transportation weekly. 

“Sometimes, I wait up to four hours before a helper comes my way. My parents sent me money, but it’s barely enough. Transportation is a big issue, and sometimes I miss classes because I can’t afford the fare.”

While David Akinyẹle of the department of Physiology said he sometimes trek home from the school park, Victor Folarin of Mass Communication department often sleep on campus due to insufficient funds.

“I sleep over in school for two nights almost every week to manage my transport money,” Folarin said. 

On her part, Ayinde Amirah, a fresh student of physics explained that the rise in transport costs has not only strained her finances, it also affects her ability to attend classes regularly. 

Speaking on behalf of bus drivers on campus, Bashir Afolabi, who doubles as a leader of the shuttle drivers’ association, said the increment in prices of spare parts have also affected their business.

“For instance, engine oil now costs ₦13,000 instead of ₦2,700, and used tyres are now ₦15,000 from ₦2,500,” he said. “The transport fare to and fro the campus will be returned to the previous price if the petrol is brought back to the previous price. Petrol is the first, because as it price increases, all things follow.”

Responding to the plight of his colleagues, Afolabi Emmanuel who currently serves as students’ union welfare secretary, said the union has contacted Kwara state government for intervention. 

“We are awaiting the provision of *Soludero buses, which will cost less and ease students’ pain. We plan, we propose, but God disposes. We have held meetings and are still making moves to ensure prices are reduced. There are procedures we must follow.”

This story was funded by the Campus Reporter project of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and written by students of the University of Ilorin after Campus Reporter’s 42nd campus journalism clinic held in their institution:

1. Abdulwahid Abdullahi
2. Adeleke Asmau Adewumi 
3. Adeyemi, Daniel B
4. Oyesade Onyinyechi V
5. Abdulsomad Sulyman
6. Abdurahman Hussain
7. Sulaiman Abibulahi
8. Ayinla Zainab Temitope
9. Ellimms Queensie
10. Garuba sarat
11. Onyeke Chinonso