Should We Consider Going Back to Horses and Carriages?

The recent surge in fuel prices has hit the nation hard, and the impact on transportation costs has been truly alarming. 

Students at the University of Abuja are feeling this burden deeply, especially as shuttle bus fares rise, leaving many concerned about their daily commutes.

For the average student, a monthly stipend of 30,000 naira for living expenses is simply not enough to cover transportation, particularly for those who are unable to secure accommodation on the main campus. 

This financial strain has led to heartbreaking situations where students miss lectures and important tests simply because they can't afford transportation—an unfortunate reality that affects their educational journey.

Last semester, as exams approached, the shuttle prices increased unexpectedly, adding even more pressure to students already feeling the weight of their studies. 

Many turned to the Abuja Urban Mass Transport system as a more affordable option, but this solution came with its own struggles: overcrowded buses that left little room to breathe and lengthy queues that often forced students to wait for hours, exhausted and hungry after a long day of classes.

Despite our desperate pleas for new CNG buses to alleviate both the costs and discomfort of commuting, our requests have not been taken seriously. It's disheartening to see that institutions with smaller populations have been granted such support, while we feel overlooked and underserved.

The wallets of students are crying out for relief. We genuinely need new CNG buses to ease this burden and ensure that education remains accessible for all.