Egbewole unveils CNG buses to tackle transportation challenges
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has reiterated the commitment of the Univerty to resolving the transportation challenges on campus with the official unveiling of five new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and 20 electric tricycles.
Prof. Egbewole, who made this known last Friday (January 2, 2026) during the unveiling ceremony held at the New Park, explained that the transportation difficulties experienced in 2025 were largely a consequence of the relocation of the University Motor Park, a decision he described as deliberate, strategic, and necessary for the long-term development of the institution.
While acknowledging that the decision initially came with challenges and resistance, the Vice-Chancellor explained that the relocation was undertaken to protect the Master Plan of the University and to position the institution on the path of becoming a world-class University with full control over its processes, systems, and procedures.
Prof. Egbewole, who is also the Secretary General of the Association of West Africa Universities (AWAU), expressed confidence that in the long run, members of the University community would be proud of the decision, adding that significant improvements had already been made at the new Park and that plans were in place to further develop the area, including the construction of a Shopping Mall within the park before the end of the year.
The Vice-Chancellor also attributed some of the transportation challenges to issues of attitude and coordination rather than the absence of vehicles, noting his personal commitment to monitoring operations at the Park, as he is often on ground as early as 6:00 a.m., to ensure compliance and efficiency.
He pointed out that the ultimate goal of the transport reform was to ensure total control over vehicles operating on campus, effective fleet management, and improved connectivity within the University. He added that under the new arrangement, transport operators would be brought under the University’s supervision to guarantee punctuality and reliability, particularly during peak hours.
While appreciating the patience and cooperation of members of the University Community, especially the students, whom he described as among the best in the country in terms of maturity and commitment, Prof. Egbewole applauded them for their orderliness and consistent support for the University system, noting that at no time did they exhibit any negative disposition towards the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the support of Starlink Global & Ideal Limited that provided a ₦200 million intervention to the University in July last year that was channelled towards addressing the transportation challenge. He also appreciated the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for supplying 20 electric tricycles to the institution through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). He said that the University was still expecting the delivery of additional CNG buses as earlier promised.
He also commended the Works Unit and the Security Unit of the University for their dedication and steadfast commitment to the successful implementation of the new transport arrangement. In particular, the Vice-Chancellor singled out the Chairman of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Unilorin Branch, Mr. Olufemi Awolola, for his consistency and unwavering support, noting that such cooperation from critical stakeholders had significantly contributed to the smooth operation and sustainability of the initiative.
He also commended the Chairman of ASUU and NASU for going beyond the call of duty in ensuring smooth operation of the new park.
Speaking earlier, the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Alex Akanmu, said the unveiling of the new transportation initiative formed part of the Vice-Chancellor’s strategic plans for 2026, particularly in addressing longstanding transportation challenges on campus.
Dr. Akanmu recalled that in recent times, the University had faced noticeable transport difficulties, which generated concerns and debates among staff and students. He explained that the new transport policy and the introduction of electric tricycles and other vehicles were deliberate steps aimed at improving the welfare of members of the University community and ensuring that promises made by the management were fulfilled.
According to him, commencing the year with such an initiative demonstrated management’s resolve to put in place sustainable solutions and to establish full institutional control over the university’s transport system. Adding that, the reform was designed to eliminate extortion and other unwholesome practices that had been experienced over the years, while promoting fairness, orderliness, and efficiency.
In a chat with UNILORIN Bulletin, the President of the Students’ Union, Adelu Idris Ayomo, described the unveiling of the new transport facilities as a significant step in addressing the transportation challenges confronting the University community. He noted that the initiative reflected the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to placing the transport system on the right path through practical and measurable actions.
Comrade Adelu commended the University management for listening to the concerns of students and responding decisively by implementing sustainable solutions to long-standing issues, saying that the steps taken so far demonstrated clear progress and reassured students that the administration was genuinely committed to improving their welfare.
The Students’ Union President also applauded the conduct of students throughout the period of transition, describing their calmness, responsiveness, and maturity as commendable, noting that similar situations in many institutions often result in unrest or disruption.
