Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Otuoke, Professor Promise Mebine has called for a downward review of transport fares from Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital to Otuoke, citing the financial strain on staff and students.
Mebine made the call while playing host to a delegation of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Otuoke Branch on a familiarization visit at the Governing Council Chambers of the University.
He noted that majority of university staff reside in Yenagoa and commute to resume work in Otuoke who are significantly affected by the high cost of transportation, stressing the need for urgent intervention to ease the burden.
The professor of applied mathematics emphasised the importance of collaboration between FUO management and the NURTW to develop a more affordable and efficient transport system for the staff of the university.
The Vice Chancellor hinted that Management is considering acquiring land at the University Gate to establish a motor park which will be operated by the institution as a measure to regulate transport cost and operations.
He commended the union for the visit and described the engagement as a step in the right direction, noting that a robust partnership between the University and the NURTW leadership in Otuoke is essential to achieve sustainable transport scheme.
The VC expressed concern over the indiscriminate parking of commuter buses along the Otuoke–Yenagoa route, particularly outside the university gate, describing it as chaotic and urged the NURTW to collaborate with the university management to facilitate the establishment of a functional motor park while emphasizing that the support of the union will go a long way to actualize the dream.
Mebine urged the leadership of the NURTW to partner with the university to sanitize the social environment by discouraging indecent dressing among female students.
He added that NURTW members have a responsibility to deny boarding to students who are improperly dressed and to insist that they return to dress appropriately.
Earlier, the chairman of the NURTW Otuoke Branch delegation, Comrade Igoin D. in his speech on behalf of the union stated that the visit was to formally welcome Mebine as the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUO.
He expressed that the union is ever ready to collaborate with the VC to ensure an efficient and seamless transport system within the institution.
