I was deeply disturbed and disheartened upon witnessing university students at the Federal University Dutsinma resorting to hitching rides on tankers to get to school. This may be due to a severe shortage of buses to transport them or financial constraints preventing them from affording the transportation fees to the newly opened campus, which is located far from the main campus and the town of Dutsinma.
The recent pictures circulating on social media of tankers carrying students to the new campus are alarming and necessitate immediate attention and action from the government and the management of the institution. Although I have seen video clips of the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsinma, Dr. Muhammad Gazalli Garba, stating in an interview that the pictures are not genuine, I doubt his claims because these pictures were shared by the university’s students on their social media platforms. Regardless of whether the pictures are authentic or not, the critical issue remains: saving lives that are under serious risk!
We all witnessed the tragic loss of lives in the Majia area of Jigawa State and other incidents across the country caused by tanker explosions. These accidents have claimed lives and destroyed significant property. Most of the victims were either people collecting fuel after tanker explosions or those living close to the explosion sites. Sadly, many people have yet to learn lessons from these tragedies and continue to use tankers for transportation in various parts of the country. Why are we so forgetful about the dangers of something that has repeatedly harmed us?
The government at all levels should implement strict measures to ban the use of tankers for transportation. This is essential because, in the event of a tanker explosion, there is little to no chance of rescuing lives, and even those nearby may be gravely affected.
It is worth recalling that since the inception of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President of Nigeria on May 29, 2023, he announced the removal of the fuel subsidy. This has brought about severe and undesirable conditions for citizens, forcing them to adopt new ways of life. Many have reduced their meals from three a day to barely one, while others struggle to have any at all. This policy has undoubtedly created chaos and hardship for Nigerians. Even university lecturers have been forced to abandon their cars in favor of alternative modes of transportation due to the high cost of fuel.
Indeed, not only lecturers have been affected. Reports from national dailies show that many people have abandoned their cars and motorbikes for tricycles (Keke Napep), while others have turned to bicycles. Choosing alternative modes of transportation has become a necessity as the government refuses to reduce fuel prices. This is the harsh reality for salary earners, but how are students on campuses coping with these challenges?
If salary earners and business owners are struggling with transportation challenges, students at universities with multiple campuses are undoubtedly facing similar hardships. These difficulties may compel students to resort to unsafe transportation methods, which are not advisable.
I urge the federal and state governments to provide adequate school buses to transport students to and from their campuses, easing transportation difficulties. For example, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has set a commendable example by providing buses to transport students and residents to notable areas in Maiduguri. Students at Borno State University pay just 100 naira for these buses, which take them to central locations like the Post Office roundabout. This is far more affordable than the 400–500 naira they would pay for a private car.
The recent budget presented by the Governor of Borno State also includes provisions for purchasing more buses to improve transportation for residents and students in secondary and tertiary institutions. This is a commendable initiative that other states should emulate to ease transportation challenges and prevent students and residents from using tankers and trailers for travel.
Sale Rusulana Yanguruza
Department of Mass Communication
Borno State University
Email: salesaifullahi931@gmail.com
