By Fatima Saka
A growing transport crisis at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has triggered widespread criticism from stakeholders, with governance experts describing the situation as a failure of policy implementation that has worsened student welfare despite federal intervention.
In statement signed by the Transformative Governance Forum (TGF) on Tuesday raised alarm over what it termed “institutional incompetence” following the university’s decision to ban commercial buses and motorcycles on campus without a viable replacement system.
The controversy follows the donation of about 50 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, intended to ease transportation challenges for students. However, the rollout has instead resulted in long queues, increased fares, and widespread disruption to academic activities.
TGF, in a strongly worded statement, said the crisis reflects a breakdown in governance at one of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions, arguing that the university failed to conduct basic demand analysis or engage key stakeholders before implementing the transport overhaul.
According to the Forum, banning existing transport operators—who previously provided flexible and affordable mobility across the expansive campus—without ensuring adequate capacity from the new bus system has created artificial scarcity.
“The government provided relief, but the administrators turned it into hardship,” the group stated, noting that students now reportedly pay up to ₦400 per trip, significantly higher than previous fares.
Students have been hardest hit by the changes, with many forced to endure long waiting times under harsh weather conditions and risk missing lectures. The situation has also sparked protests, including a two-day lecture boycott led by the Student Union.
Observers say the crisis highlights a deeper issue of disconnect between policy intent and execution, where well-meaning initiatives fail due to poor local implementation.
TGF identified three key failures: lack of stakeholder engagement, unsustainable implementation, and insensitivity to student welfare.
The Forum criticized what it described as “top-down decision-making,” noting that neither students nor transport operators were consulted before the sweeping changes were introduced.
It also questioned the operational capacity of the CNG buses, including their ability to meet peak demand and provide last-mile connectivity within the campus.
The group has called on the university management to immediately suspend the ban on commercial transport operators and adopt a hybrid system that integrates the new buses with existing services.
It also urged the administration to engage in dialogue with the Student Union and acknowledge shortcomings in the rollout.
Analysts warn that the situation risks undermining public confidence in government interventions, especially at a time when students across Nigeria are grappling with rising living costs and limited institutional support.
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For many, the crisis at OAU serves as a cautionary tale of how policy failures at the implementation level can negate even the most well-intentioned initiatives.
As tensions persist on campus, attention now turns to the university’s leadership and whether it will act swiftly to address the concerns or allow the crisis to escalate further.
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