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Dr. Joshua Olusegun Omowunmi, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria (CILGPAN) and Chief Lecturer in the Department of Public Administration, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, shares insights into the institution’s planned off-campus bus shuttle project.
In this interview with Abu-Satar Hamed of StarTrend Int’l magazine and online platform, Dr. Joshua Omowunmi speaks in his capacity as Chairman of the Students Shuttle Bus Committee and Dean of Student Affairs. Below are excerpts from the interview.
Could you please provide more details on the planned off-campus bus shuttle and the reasons behind it?
Yes. Sometime last year, Senator Adeola Olamilekan, FCA, FFPI, generously donated five mini buses to our students. This donation was a commendable gesture aimed at improving the institution’s transportation system. Following the donation, the Rector, Dr. M.A. Akinde, FCA, FCTI, promptly set up a committee to ensure effective utilization of the vehicles.
What are the benefits of this project for the students and the host community as a whole?
The students have significantly benefited from the initiative in two key areas: revenue generation and convenient transportation within the campus. To clarify, the vehicles operate on a franchise model, allowing private operators to run the buses, earn income, and remit an agreed amount weekly into a dedicated account managed by the Students’ Union.
Can you describe the routes of the bus shuttle within the Ilaro metropolis?
Yes, and I’d like to clarify a few points. Initially, the vehicles operated solely within the campus. However, Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi), in another act of unparalleled generosity, recently added six more mini buses to the fleet, bringing the total to eleven.
Given this, we decided to extend operations to the Ilaro community to enhance our town-and-gown relationship. It’s worth noting that over 90 percent of our students live off-campus in the host community.
We will begin with three pilot routes: 1. Poly Gate – Express Road – Sayedero Garage – Himra Filling Station. 2. Poly Gate – Orita – Library. 3. Poly Gate – Oja-Odan Road – Sarumi – Gbokoto Tuntun. All these routes are within the Ilaro metropolis.
Will there be a fixed fare for the commuters?
Yes, the Students’ Union and the school management have jointly agreed on fixed fares, which will be set at affordable rates to ensure accessibility for all students and residents of the host community.
When is the project expected to begin?
We have already advertised for franchise operators. Once we identify and approve credible individuals or companies to run the service, operations will commence immediately.
What’s your message to the host community regarding the project?
I’d like to use this opportunity to appreciate our Kabiyesi, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, Asade Agunloye IV, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland. My gratitude also goes to the Chairman of the Polytechnic/Ilaro Community Forum (PICOF), Otunba Idowu Onifade, the Otunba Onimo-Ero of Ilaro-Yewa and other notable stakeholders for their consistent support in strengthening the relationship between the polytechnic and the host community.
We sincerely appeal to the Ilaro community to continue offering their unwavering support for the success of this project. We especially urge them to prioritize the safety of both the students and the vehicles involved.
