The convoy of the seven new buses. Inset is the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Balogun (right)
leading the inspection team
The Transport Pool of the University has been further expanded with the delivery of seven new buses, directly procured from Ashok Leyland of India.
A convoy of the 75-capacity buses were driven to the University Campus last Thursday, after which a brief inspection ceremony by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, accompanied by some Principal Officers and Management staff, took place.
An obviously jubilant Vice-Chancellor remarked that the injection of the seven buses will go a long way in substantially alleviating transportation challenges in the University, particularly as being experienced by the students.
Professor Balogun assured that Management will not relent in its resolve at improving the facilities, given the fact that the University population was on the rise. “The more we have of the students, the more we shall keep improving on the facilities”, he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that arrangements were in the pipeline, to seek for the transformation of the University’s Management Committee on Transportation (MANCOT), to a full-fledged Bureau, taking into consideration the current capacity of the transport fleet under its control.
He, therefore, directed the Chairman of MANCOT, Dr. Jonathan Atungwu, to draw up a blueprint that will incorporate the establishment of a standard Transport Complex, for adequate maintenance of the fleet of vehicles.
It would be recalled that four coaster and a FOTON luxurious buses were recently purchased by the University authorities while the federal government, through the Education Trust Fund donated another coaster bus.
The University had earlier purchased a special van, equipped with wheel chair for the use of the physically-challenged students.
While commending members and staff of MANCOT for their dedication, the Vice-Chancellor urged the Bursary Department to expedite action on the release of the already appropriated funds for the construction of a befitting Motor-Park for the University.
Professor Balogun reiterated that the Park, when completed, will accommodate between 100 and 150 commercial vehicles plying the University routes.
