By Abubakar Mustafa, Felicia Samuel and Habeebat Afolayan

As the University of Ilorin prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in November, different arms of the institution’s transport unions have pledged their full support for the milestone celebration.

Speaking separately with UNILORIN Bulletin last Wednesday (August 20, 2025) the unions expressed happiness with the milestone.

They also affirmed their continued prayers, discipline, and cooperation to ensure a peaceful and successful celebration.

The Financial Secretary of the campus Shuttle Association, Mr Rafil Omotayo Adebolu Ojo, said the drivers were excited about the milestone, noting that they had long been aware of the event through the anniversary billboards mounted across campus.

He described the golden jubilee as a historic moment and prayed for a peaceful and memorable outing.

“We are happy and supporting the University with our prayers. May God see us through that day, and no death record would be heard amongst the students, shuttle drivers, staff, or the Vice Chancellor, our father, Prof. Egbewole,” he said.

The union pledged to render full transport services during the celebrations, ensuring smooth movement of guests, students, and staff.

Mr Ojo added that the association, under the chairmanship of Alhaji Isiaka Oriomo, was grateful to the University for recognising their role in the campus community.

“Anything you feel we can do, we will do by God’s grace. We are ready to render all the service of taking people to and fro without stress or trouble,” he assured.

While noting that shuttle drivers hardly encounter major challenges with students, Mr Ojo said minor issues were always resolved peacefully through elders, security, and the Student Affairs Unit.

He further advised drivers to maintain discipline, avoid reckless driving, and continue cooperating with road marshals and security personnel.

            He also appealed to students to show honesty when paying fares.

“Most students are cooperating with us, not all, and for those that are not, we are handling them with care,” he said.

The shuttle drivers assured the University management that they would contribute their quota to the success of the golden jubilee celebration.

The Secretary of the Tricycle Riders Association, Mr Habeeb Tajudeen Abiodun, described the anniversary as a joyous occasion and expressed the readiness of tricycle operators to partake fully.

He appreciated the University management for granting tricycle operators the opportunity to work within the campus without harassment or disturbances.

“We are happy for UNILORIN, alongside the Vice Chancellor and the entire management of the University, because it is a thing of joy that they want to celebrate their 50 years. We are also happy to partake in the celebration, and we are grateful for allowing us to work in the school area without trouble. May God allow the day to meet us in good health,” he said.

Mr Abiodun affirmed that the Union was prepared to support the University in any capacity required.

“If they have anything they want us to do for the anniversary, we are ready to do it. There is no time they call on us that we wouldn’t respond,” he added.

He explained that tricycle riders enjoyed a cordial relationship with the university authorities, with issues raised usually resolved promptly. He also advised his members to maintain discipline, avoid overspeeding within the campus, and continue cooperating with students and management.

“Our advice is that we would caution ourselves in the campus because there is a limit for driving with speed. God should watch over us, and we thank the management of the University for the support, because without their support there’s nothing we can do,” he stated.

The tricycle riders assured the University that they would continue to support the University’s efforts to make the institution greater.

The Deputy Chairman of the Buses and Car Union at the University, Mr Suleiman Sanni, expressed optimism about the institution’s golden jubilee, pledging that transporters would continue to support the growth of the University.

He described the anniversary as a worthy celebration, noting that the transport union was eager to be part of the event.

Mr Sanni praised the University for creating an enabling environment for drivers by granting them access to campus without unnecessary restrictions, while also enforcing rules that ensured peace and discipline.

“Drivers must not fight with students and students must not fight them too. They are not violent as they don’t drink or smoke around the school environment,” he added.

He noted that the transporters continually prayed for the University’s growth and success, stressing that their livelihood depended on the smooth running of the institution.

“This is where we get our income to feed our families, take care of our children, and carry out our responsibilities. We also want to be part of the event,” he said.

Mr Sanni said drivers faced no major difficulties within the University community.