The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has assured commercial bus drivers operating on the University campus that the newly inaugurated Campus Shuttle Service will not negatively affect their business.
Prof. Egbewole gave this assurance last Monday (January 6, 2025) during a meeting he held with the commercial bus drivers operating at the University Auditorium.
Addressing the concerns of the drivers, the Vice Chancellor explained that the meeting was convened to dispel misinformation suggesting that the Campus Shuttle was introduced to replace their services.
While expressing appreciation to the commercial bus drivers for their efforts in conveying students and staff to and from the campus over the years, Prof. Egbewole clarified that the new shuttle buses were introduced to ease transportation challenges facing the University’s growing student and staff population.
“We are aware that many of you are parents, and some of you have children studying here. We want for your children the same comfort and convenience we desire for other students”, the Vice Chancellor said, adding that “the Campus Shuttle initiative is not designed to displace you but to complement your services and make life easier for our students.”
Prof. Egbewole stated further, “If we want to achieve development, we must always listen to the complaints of our students, who are our customers, because the customer is king. Our students are the reason we are here as staff, and their existence is the reason you are also here. If we fail to respond to their demands, we might be jeopardising our jobs.”
The Vice Chancellor urged the drivers to continue with their legitimate operations on campus while treating students with respect and recognising their role as key stakeholders in the system. He said, “Our students are at the core of everything we do. Their needs must always be a priority for all of us.”
Also speaking during the meeting, the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Alex Akanmu, applauded the thoughtfulness of the Vice Chancellor in initiating the meeting to douse the tension among the commercial bus drivers plying the University.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the University Korope Drivers’ Association, Alhaji Isiaka Oriowo, expressed appreciation to Prof. Egbewole and his management team for their consideration.
Alhaji Oriowo noted that many of his colleagues have achieved significant milestones, such as building houses and purchasing new vehicles, through their work on the University roads. He assured the Vice Chancellor that his colleagues would always give priority attention to students’ welfare.
The Vice Chancellor was joined during the meeting by members of his management team, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Sulyman Folorunsho Ambali; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal; and the University Librarian, Dr Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa.
