By Haliru Idris, Lawrence Okedare and Rukayat Abdulraheem
The Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Ilorin, Dr AlexMorenikeji-Akanmu, has given detailed clarification on the recent relocation of the university’s transport park.
He described the move as a long-overdue implementation of the institution’s master plan and a necessary step to strengthen campus security.
In an exclusive interview with theheraldnews.ng, Dr. Morenikeji-Akanmu noted that the decision was not sudden but part of the university’s long-standing developmental framework, which had originally designated a different area for the central transport park.
“The University of Ilorin has what it calls a master plan, and there is a place originally designated for the park from inception.
“However, due to the peculiar structure of the campus and ongoing developments at that time, it was practically impossible to situate the park at its intended location.”
According to him, the location of the transport park has evolved over the years in response to the university’s physical expansion and construction projects.
“Those who have been here long enough will recall that the space now occupied by the fountain was once the park. Later, it was moved to the Pepsi Village area when that section was being developed.
“The relocation we are witnessing today is not new, it is part of that continuous process of aligning facilities with the university’s growth,” he stated.
Dr. Morenikeji-Akanmu further emphasised that security considerations played a major role in the decision, explaining that the university could no longer afford to overlook the need for controlled access and regulated movement within the campus.
“Across the world, campus transport terminals are usually situated some distance away from student residential areas.
“Given the recent security challenges everywhere, it has become necessary for the university to adhere strictly to this standard.”
He noted that the park’s previous site was originally conceived as a temporary arrangement, but had gradually taken on a sense of permanence as the university’s population grew.
“As our student population increased, the temporary site began to seem like the official park. But the true park begins right from the main gate, where registered and licensed vehicles approved by the university will convey students to their various destinations on campus,” he explained.
Investigations by theheraldnews.ng showed that Students have continued to struggle with daily congestions at designated parks as a result of inability of transporters to handle the volume of passengers especially as returning and fresh students are settling down.
It was observed that Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the most difficult for passengers on campus while the situation is usually less so on the other days.
In separate interviews, some of the students who pleaded for anonymity, appealed to the management of the institution to urgently find a lasting solution to the problem of transportation.
They complained of the stress, hardship and financial difficulties caused many of them by the prevailing situation.
While many of them often have to trek the distance between the entry park and their lecture areas, buoyant students often resort to hiring cars to convey them to the campus at mostly exorbitant rates.
According to the students, if the current hardships are not addressed swiftly, many may ultimately be unable to meet the 75% lecture attendance said to have been stipulated as a prequalification for students to write examinations due to no faults of theirs.
However, the Dr. Morenikeji-Akanmu appealed to students and staff to view the adjustment as part of the university’s forward-looking agenda and not as an inconvenience, expressing gratitude for their patience and understanding.
“We sincerely appreciate members of the university community for their cooperation and endurance during this transition. The change may appear inconvenient at first, but it is both inevitable and beneficial for the collective good of our campus,” he concluded.
