New Wheels, New Worries: How Senator Oluremi’s CNG Initiative Will Impact OAU Community

Every morning, Bose Oladipupo, a 300-level student of Mass Communication Department, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, stands at a bus stop close to her hostel in Mayfair, trying to figure out how to get to campus. Visually impaired, she has carefully patterned a transport system that works for her.

However, the new transport system, set to be launched soon, threatens that routine, as she argues that  the new initiative will be more stressful. 

“If I have to take a bus first to the campus gate, before taking another to campus, it will be a financial burden for me,” she said.

Her concern reflects a wider sentiment among many students of the university.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s transportation initiative

On January 29, 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and 30 tricycles donated by Oluremi Tinubu, a senator and Nigeria’s First Lady, were commissioned, fulfilling a promise made during the University’s convocation in December 2024

While the initiative aims to provide a safer and more convenient transport system for staff and students, its accompanying plan to ban ‘Town-gboro’ buses (public vehicles that commute students within campus and town) and motorcycle riders has raised significant concerns. Students, particularly those living off-campus, question whether the new system will be sufficient. 

According to the Transport Management Commission (TMC) release of March 6, the vehicles will transport students from campus bus stops to the campus gate while supporting the existing shuttle to Road 7.

Numbers as deciders

CAMPUS REPORTER examined whether the 50 buses and 30 tricycles can realistically serve a student population of over 30,000, excluding staff who also rely on campus transport.

Based on the data obtained, the existing 150 ‘town-gboro’ buses, mostly 14-passenger vehicles, can transport about 2,100 students at a time. With an additional 250 bikes, total capacity rises to approximately 2,350 students under the old system. 

In contrast, the new CNG buses, due to seat width differences, can carry 11 passengers each, meaning 50 buses will transport 550 students, while 30 tricycles, at four passengers each, will carry 120 students, bringing total capacity to 670. 

This reflects a gap of about 1,800 passengers, even as the new system is expected to complement existing transport on Road 7.

Students express views

Precious Awogbade, a 100-level student, argued that the CNG buses should serve as a supplement rather than a replacement. 

“This is the primary source of income for the drivers,” she said, adding that retaining the old system would better serve the growing student population and improve productivity.

David Atem, a 400-level student, noted that removing ‘town-gboro’ buses and motorcycle riders would disrupt a system students are already familiar with. He warned that the new arrangement may lead to confusion and inefficiency, especially given the increasing population.

Eunice Shoyemi, an Educational Management student, also questioned the capacity of the new system. “Students who live off campus are more than what the buses would be able to transport,” she said, adding that removing bikes would further delay students who rely on them, especially when running late.

Livelihood disruption

The concerns extend beyond students to transport operators. One motorcycle rider who pleaded anonimity said, “No man whose livelihood is taken away from him would be happy,” expressing uncertainty about how he would support his family. He described the announcement as sudden and shocking.

Akindele Oluwasanmi, a Towngboro driver, added that the decision could negatively affect the local economy in Ile-Ife, noting that operators feel helpless following directives to leave campus operations.

Management’s response

Olasupo Oluwuyi, an Engineer and Director of the Division of Works and Maintenance in OAU, maintained that the new system is adequate.

“The buses are very much enough to take care of the students,” he said. 

His department oversees the transport initiative and played a role in unveiling the CNG station.

He reaffirmed the TMC’s position that ‘Town-gboro’ buses and bikes will no longer operate on campus, although they may continue within the town. 

The new system is expected to commence on April 1.

Mr Oluwuyi added that operations on Road 1 will begin first, while Road 7 logistics will be handled by a dedicated committee. He also stated that provisions are being made to accommodate students who are Persons With Disabilities (PWD).

By Prime News Network

This report is a collaborative piece produced by Adedoyin Oguntade, Samuel Faseyitan, Ifeoluwa Lambe, Goodness Olope, Azeezat Oladeji, Olanrewaju Lawal, Victor Oyewole, Olaitan Olayosoye, Mercy Olabiyi, Halleluyah Bayode, and Maymunah Abdusalam during the Next Gen Campus Clinic at Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State.