As the lingering fuel scarcity is gradually abating across the country, it is a different ball game in Malete area of Kwara, as students of the Kwara State University(KWASU) are still bearing the brunt.

While the fuel issue is abating in some areas, it is biting harder in Malete, as the students are always stranded at bus-stops while rushing for morning classes.

It was observed that there were only few buses at bus-stops to convey students to the campus.

It is disheartening to see students walking the long distance to their various faculties, tired, weary and worn out. To say they are fed up of the situation is to say the least as the development is not abating.

What worsens the matter is the issue of shuttle card. The policy has been rendered useless as the drivers always demand cash before taking students to their destinations.

A 200-Level student of Mass Communication, Henry Adewumi, who lamented the situation, said it had prevented him from attending lectures.

“The buses are not enough to convey us to school and the fuel scarcity is another major problem. For instance, based on the development, fare has increased. From West end to Tarmac, we pay N100 instead of the usual N50,” he said.

Similarly, a 100-Level student of the Department of Common Law, Adeyemi Richard, said: “I waited for two hours to board a shuttle bus to the school. As a new student, I would have been glad to be in the lecture room as early as possible, but there were few buses to convey us to school hence, we had to wait for a long time.

“The school authority should please find a solution to alleviate the transportation challenge,” he said.

Also, a 300-Level student of Computer Science, who gave his name as John, said: “It has been a bitter experience going through this condition. I hope the situation will be brought under control soon,” he said.

A student of Mass Communication, who pleaded anonymity, said the transportation challenge is not peculiar to the institution, but it is as a result of fuel scarcity in the country.

“As you are aware, the problem is not a domestic one, it is not peculiar to KWASU. It is as a result of the ongoing fuel crisis in the country. However, the management of the institution should put a number of measures in place to cushion the effect of transportation challenges on the students. ''

The management should intensify efforts on the building of more hostels to accommodate more students on campus. This will drastically reduce the number of students going outside the campus every day. The welfare of students is a priority of the management,” he said.

He continued: “We need the authority to look into this situation for us as it is really affecting the students a lot.There should be provision of more shuttles, the Student Union Government should look into this on behalf of the students, the idea of shuttle card should be revived to help the students lessen the stress of getting cash before boarding the school shuttle.

“Various methods should be employed by the school to make sure that the students do not go through stress before getting to school.”