THE WHEELS OF STRUGGLE, PLIGHT OF STUDENTS.

Ejay writes✍️

As the cost of transportation continues to soar, students are feeling the pinch. From skyrocketing fuel prices to exorbitant public transportation fees, getting to school has become a daily struggle for many.

For many students, if not all, transportation is a daily necessity, yet its costs can quickly add up. Fuel prices, public transit fares, and vehicle maintenance are just a few of the expenses that can strain a student's budget, the financial burden of transportation can have profound effects on students' academic performance, mental health, and overall quality of life.

    The high cost of transportation can limit students' access to educational opportunities. For instance, students who cannot afford reliable transportation may miss classes, arrive late, or be unable to participate in extracurricular activities and internships. These experiences are crucial for personal and professional development.

In the voice of Ayo a 200 level law student of prince Abubakar Audu University,

"The recent hike in the cost of transportation  has had a profound impact on my life, particularly as a student. This hike made it impossible for me to travel home for my semester break, a tradition I cherish deeply.

The hike was unexpected and made it difficult for me to afford the journey. Despite my eagerness to reunite with my family and friends, the financial burden was too great to bear.

My family and I live in Ekiti state and that is about 7 to 8 hours to school. My first time of coming to school from home, transport was just four thousand, two hundred naira. With time it kept on increasing and all of a sudden it's now twelve thousand naira. My question is, how did we get here?

Another thing about this country is that price of goods and services is not in any way in support of the law of gravity which states that, "anything that goes up must come down". Prices of goods and services including transportation has never come down in Nigeria history and it's getting worse day by day. 

The fact that the break falls within a festive period makes the matter even worse, while others were busy celebrating with their families I was stuck in school with my best friend and her roommate who also could not afford the transport fare.

This experience has taught me the value of budgeting and the importance of adapting to unforeseen circumstances. However, it also highlights the need for more affordable transportation options, especially for students like myself who rely on these services to connect with loved ones.

I hope that in the future, measures will be taken to mitigate the effects of price hikes on students and families, ensuring that we can continue to stay connected without breaking  the bank".

Ayo's story is not unique. Many students are forced to make difficult choices between going home for holidays and staying back in school just to cut costs.

  The hike in transportation costs has not only affected the resumption an recession of students, it also has a pronounced effect on active participation in school activities like attending classes, and other social activities.

In recent times, late coming to class has become inevitable as students have to walk long distances to school to cut costs of taking okada bikes.

 " I have skipped classes because I didn't have money to take bike from my lodge ( back of high court) to my faculty (Agriculture) which is located at the farthest end of the school, to bike to and from these locations cost over a thousand naira on a daily basis which is not available to me as a student, most times I walk the distance, I barely meet up with morning classes, after which I'm I have to deal with the stress and tiredness. This is what I go through every day of the week since the sudden hike in transportation costs, we have been hoping it gets better to no avail."

 Above is the experience of Patience Ohiaba, a 300 level student of agriculture, who according to her did not bargain for this before applying to study agriculture in the prestigious Prince Abubakar Audu University of Anyigba.

It is not easy for transport operators too as their customer base has reduced drastically, Mr. Ibrahim Danjuma who operates an okada business complained bitterly that people no longer want to take bike because of the cost which is in turn affecting their own income rate, he said the few who manage to take bike, beats down the price to the lowest it could be, most times they just get money for fuel,  for continuity of the business and not so much for the profit any more.

Mr. Ibrahim pleads with the government to device a means of making this hustle more profitable for them.

Addressing the high cost of transportation for students requires diverse approach. Universities and colleges can play a significant role by offering more comprehensive financial aid packages that include transportation allowances. Additionally, partnerships with local transit authorities to provide discounted or free passes for students could alleviate some of the financial burdens.

Investing in campus infrastructure, such as building more affordable student housing closer to campus, can also reduce the need for long commutes. For those who must travel, creating a more efficient and reliable public transportation system is essential.

The high cost of transportation is more than just a financial issue for students; it is a barrier that affects their academic performance, mental health, and overall quality of life. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, educational institutions and policymakers can help ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their financial circumstance.

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