Transport Crisis Looms At OAU As NURTW, Students Clash Over Fare Hike

A potential transport crisis is brewing at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as negotiations between the university’s Students’ Union Transport Management Commission and the Ife branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) ended in deadlock on Wednesday.

The student-led commission, in a statement issued on Thursday, disclosed that it met with the leadership of the NURTW at the union’s office in Sabo to formally table several complaints raised by students regarding the operations of commercial drivers on campus.

The statement was signed by Hon. Fatoyinbo Azeez Gbolahan (Hon. AZ), Chairman of the Transport Management Commission; Hon. Adewoyin Feranmi C. (Hon. Feran), Secretary; and Hon. Akindele Oluwapelumi Ezekiah (Hon. Pelly), Public Relations Officer.

According to the Commission, the meeting, though cordial, failed to yield any positive outcome, particularly on the contentious issue of fare reduction.

The union had proposed a reversal of the current fare on the popular Campus Gate to Bus Stop route back to ₦100.

However, the NURTW firmly rejected the suggestion, instead insisting on maintaining the current charges and even hinting at an increase to ₦200.

“They told us plainly that if they pull their vehicles off campus for just one hour, the entire student body would feel the heat,” the Commission said, describing the stance of the transport workers as “threatening and inconsiderate.”

Despite the setback, the Transport Management Commission reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the matter using the established aluta principles of Consultation, Consolidation and Confrontation.

It also expressed optimism over ongoing discussions with the university management, who have shown interest in implementing a more affordable and student-centred transportation system on campus.

“We are not backing down. Our struggle continues until justice is done for every Great Ife student who deserves fair and affordable transportation,” the statement read in part.

Meanwhile, students have been urged to channel their complaints through dedicated WhatsApp groups created by the Commission as part of efforts to document incidents and gather more evidence to strengthen their advocacy.