In a significant move to alleviate the burden of transportation on Nigerian students, President Bola Tinubu has donated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to students across the six geopolitical zones of the country. The initiative was spearheaded by the office of the Senior Special Adviser on Students’ Engagement, Comrade Sunday Asefon, who facilitated the distribution of the vehicles.
The handover of the six CNG buses was celebrated in Abuja, where the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Lucky Emonefe, received the keys on behalf of student leaders from various zones. The initiative aims to provide a more efficient and affordable transportation system for students, especially in light of the recent economic challenges following the removal of fuel subsidies.
During the distribution ceremony, Asefon articulated that this gesture was merely the beginning of broader commitments by President Tinubu to support the student community. He highlighted that the initiative would help in reducing the exorbitant costs students sometimes face when hiring transport for events, which could run into hundreds of thousands of Naira. With the new buses, students will now only be required to pay a nominal fee, significantly lowering the cost of transportation.
“This initiative is not just about providing transport; it’s about giving students the assurance that they have vehicles dedicated to their needs,” Asefon stated. He further assured that the maintenance of these buses would be closely monitored, with immediate response mechanisms in place for any mechanical issues, and schools would also take on responsibilities for upkeep where the buses are stationed.
Comrade Lucky Emonefe expressed his gratitude for this unprecedented move by President Tinubu, noting it as a historic moment for NANS and Nigerian students at large. “This will greatly ease the financial pressure of transportation on our campuses,” Emonefe remarked, emphasizing the novelty of the initiative in NANS’s history since its inception.
The donation of these CNG buses aligns with the government’s broader environmental and economic goals, advocating for cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. CNG buses are seen as a step towards reducing reliance on traditional fuels, thereby cutting pollution and operational costs.
This move by President Tinubu is seen as part of a series of actions aimed at addressing the immediate needs of Nigerians, particularly students, in the wake of economic reforms. It’s a testament to the administration’s focus on youth development and education, underlining the importance of making higher education more accessible and less burdensome financially.
As Nigeria navigates through its current economic landscape, initiatives like these are viewed as critical steps towards fostering an environment where students can focus more on their academic pursuits without the added stress of transportation woes.
