A special report that was released by the school management on the 3rd of March, 2023 showed that intra transport fares have again been increased, and would take effect from March 13th. Although, considering the current situation of the economy of the country, the hike in the price of everything is justifiable. However, on the flip side, taking a closer look at the special report, one would realise that the prices are no different from the prices of transport fare outside the school campus, and the fact that students now have to pay the same fare rates as outsiders for the same distance seems unjustified and unfair.
For instance students who live in Ajibode who are still trying to adjust to the #100 transport fare from Ajibode to UI have now been slammed with the new policy that says they will now have to pay #150 from Ajibode to school. This automatically means that every student living in Ajibode will now spend #300 on transport fare to and from school everyday, come March 13th, and #1,800 every week. Totaling this will return a whopping #7,200 every month. With this, there is obviously no difference between the transport fare within and outside the campus. If #7,200 is budgeted every month on just transport fare, how then would students have enough to spare for upkeep, plus other expenses within school?
Just like students living in Ajibode, many other student are troubled by the financial weight of the new transport policy. Subsidized transport fare rates within campus has in the past helped students manage their financial allowances effectively as they are usually assured of moving within and around the campus at almost no cost. However, today, it is now a thing of the past, as students now pay equal fare rates as outsiders for the same distance. Both UI to Sango and UI gate to Awo hall are #100, where as, the former is farther than the latter... where then is the price subsidy?
The school management and the transport committee should take into consideration the financial capabilities of the students and their families, and to review the fares in order to make it more affordable for students. If the new policy is not reviewed, it could potentially lead to a decrease in attendance and participation in activities on campus as students may not be able to afford the transportation costs.
In conclusion, it is important for the school management to review the fares and ensure that they are affordable for the students. This will not only alleviate the financial burden on the students but also help to maintain their participation and attendance in campus activities.
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