The Kwara State government has taken a step to support students and staff of tertiary institutions in the state by offering free transport palliatives amid the difficulties caused by fuel scarcity and currency change, News About Nigeria reports.
The state government had announced last Thursday that buses would be made available to take students and staff along specific routes to their campuses.
The free bus rides will initially be available to students commuting within the Ilorin metropolis, including those from the University of Ilorin and Kwara State Polytechnic. The buses will operate between the hours of 6am and 10am and then again between 3pm and 6pm, from Monday to Friday.
According to the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Mr. Bello Mubarak, the government deemed it necessary to ease the suffering of students and staff amid the difficulty imposed by fuel scarcity. He stated that the governor received complaints from student union leaders and decided to come to their aid by conveying them to campuses for free.
The Senior Special Assistant on Transport, Ibrahim Orire, explained that the program is a response to the current reality and to save students from missing classes. Some students who spoke with the press expressed their gratitude for the government’s responsive and sensitive approach to their situation.
Suleiman Olanrewaju, a student at the University of Ilorin and member of the School Transport Committee, commended the government for its timely intervention.
Olooto AbdulHakeem, an executive member of the National Association Nigeria Students, Kwara State branch, also lauded the government’s efforts, stating that the gesture will go a long way in alleviating their difficulties in getting to and from their respective campuses.
News About Nigeria understands that the free bus rides were seen being used by passengers at various pickup points, including the post office park and Tanke garage. The Kwara State government’s initiative to offer free transport palliatives for students and staff is a welcome relief for those affected by fuel scarcity and currency change.
