LASU Students Lament Transportation Woes

Students of Lagos State University (LASU) have continued to experience serious transportation difficulties both within and outside the campus environment, creating daily stress for commuters and affecting academic activities across the institution.

 

The transportation challenges, which include high transport fares, shortage of buses, traffic congestion, poor road conditions, and overcrowding at shuttle parks, have become a major concern among students.

 

Many students complained that moving from hostels to lecture halls and from campus to nearby areas has become stressful, especially during busy morning and evening periods when students struggle to meet up with lectures and other school activities.

 

According to students, long waiting hours at shuttle parks have become a regular experience due to the shortage of available buses on campus.

 

A student who spoke on the condition of anonymity explained that transportation delays now affect attendance and punctuality during lectures.

 

“Sometimes you can stand at the shuttle park for almost an hour before getting a bus. By the time you arrive at class, the lecture may have already started or even ended,” the student said.

 

Another student complained about the constant increase in transport fares around the university environment.

 

“The money we spend on transportation now is too much. Some drivers collect more than the approved fare, and students are left with no choice because they still need to get to class,” the student added.

 

Reports gathered from students revealed that campus shuttle fares increased from ₦100 to ₦150 after discussions between transport operators and the Students’ Union. However, several students claimed that some commercial drivers demanded ₦200 from passengers without providing balance.

 

The fare increase has placed financial pressure on many students, particularly those who depend on limited allowances from parents and guardians.

 

Some students stated that they now prefer trekking long distances around campus in order to reduce transportation expenses.

 

The transportation situation reportedly became worse during the road construction carried out around major routes leading to the university earlier this year.

 

The road construction, which lasted for about two weeks, caused severe traffic congestion around areas such as Iyana School, Igando, Iyana-Iba, and First Gate.

 

As a result, movement around the university environment became difficult for both students and commercial transport operators.

 

Students living around the Iyana School axis were said to be among the worst affected, as several students reportedly trekked long distances from their homes to school because buses were either unavailable or too expensive.

 

The heavy traffic congestion also disrupted academic activities within the university community.

 

Many students reportedly arrived late for lectures, tests, and practical sessions, while others missed important school events because of transportation delays.

 

Some students explained that the stress of transportation affected their concentration and participation during lectures.

 

“The stress alone can make someone tired before lectures even begin. After standing for long hours under the sun waiting for transportation, it becomes difficult to focus in class,” a student explained.

 

Apart from delays and high transport fares, overcrowding at shuttle parks has also become another major concern among students.

 

Several students complained that buses are often overcrowded during peak periods, forcing passengers to struggle for available seats.

 

Others also accused some commercial drivers of reckless driving while attempting to beat traffic or carry more passengers for profit.

 

A student described the situation as unsafe and stressful.

 

“Some drivers overload their vehicles and drive recklessly because they want to make more money quickly. Students are not comfortable, but many people have no option,” the student stated.

 

Commercial bus drivers and tricycle operators around the university, however, defended the increase in transportation fares.

 

According to them, the rising cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and spare parts contributed greatly to the increase in fares around the campus environment.

 

Some operators explained that poor road conditions around certain areas damage vehicles frequently and increase maintenance expenses.

 

“The cost of fuel is high, vehicle parts are expensive, and the bad roads spoil our vehicles regularly. We are also struggling,” a tricycle operator explained.

 

The operators further stated that heavy traffic congestion around the university environment reduces the number of trips they can make daily, affecting their income.

 

In response to the growing complaints from students, the Lagos State University Students’ Union held meetings with transport stakeholders in an attempt to improve transportation within the university community.

 

The union reportedly introduced measures such as monitoring shuttle activities, regulating transportation fares, and encouraging the use of bank transfers for easier payments.

 

The Students’ Union also assured students that efforts would continue to ensure fairness and improve transportation conditions across campus.

 

Despite these efforts, many students believe that more attention is still needed to solve the transportation challenges affecting the institution.

 

Some students suggested that the school management should provide more campus shuttle buses in order to reduce congestion and waiting time at shuttle parks.

 

Others recommended the repair of damaged roads around the university environment to improve movement and reduce traffic congestion.

 

Students also appealed to the government and relevant authorities to ensure proper traffic management whenever road construction projects are carried out around school environments.

 

Transportation remains one of the major issues affecting the daily lives of students at Lagos State University.

 

The combination of high transport fares, shortage of buses, overcrowding, poor road conditions, and traffic congestion has continued to create difficulties for commuters trying to balance academic activities with daily movement around campus.

 

Although efforts have been made by the Students’ Union and transport stakeholders, many students still hope that lasting improvements will be introduced to make transportation easier, safer, and more affordable for everyone within the university community.