The students of University of Abuja, on Wednesday, appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to consider donating 10 new Compressed Natural Gas buses to ease the transportation problem in the institution.
The demand was made by the school’s Students Union President, Bashiru Mohammed, at a media conference in Abuja held in conjunction with members of the National Association of Nigerian Students and National Association of University Students.
The appeal comes two months after the Federal Government handed over 64 CNG-powered buses to organised labour unions and NANS at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
The 100-capacity buses, which are part of the Presidential CNG initiative’s pilot programme, will be distributed across the states and campuses in what the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, called a “necessary first step.”
While admitting that UNIABUJA was fortunate to be given one of the buses, Mohammed lamented it was however not enough to address the plight of their students who spend endless hours waiting for vehicles to ferry them to school for lectures.
He said, “We want to use this medium to appeal to the President to consider the University of Abuja as a pet project starting with CNG buses that are being distributed. We want to appeal that 10 CNG buses been given to the institution to act as a succour.
“The provision of this CNG buses will greatly alleviate the prevailing transportation challenges faced by students, ensuring that we can commute safely and efficiently to our various academic engagements. It will also contribute to a more sustainable environment, aligning with global efforts to promote cleaner energy sources.
“This significant gesture will not only enhance our transportation facilities but also demonstrates your commitment to the welfare and development of students across the nation.”
According to him, the University of Abuja is the only conventional University in the FCT that ought to have certain befitting benefits in terms of infrastructure like Oxford University and other standard institutions across major metropolis across the world.
