Further to my message to the University community on Saturday, 4th October, 2025, regarding the relocation of the University Park, we have carefully reviewed the concerns and developments that have arisen over the past few days.
We appreciate the perseverance, commitment, and courage shown by members of community in expressing their views. Constructive feedback remains critical to our shared vision for a peaceful, safe, and effectively managed university environment.
For the record, it is important to reiterate that the plan for park relocation is not new. It has been part of the University’s Master Plan since inception. In fact, attempts have been made to implement this relocation twice within the past seven years. The relocation is not a sudden or arbitrary decision, but a strategic one, embedded in our long-term development blueprint.
We acknowledge and appreciate the arguments both for and against the relocation. However, it is essential to emphasize that the current decision is not intended to cause economic hardship or create a disadvantage for anyone. The primary motivation remains the safety, well-being, and security of lives and property within our campus.
We fully recognize the discomfort and resistance that sometimes come with change. Be assured, however, that we are in this together and remain deeply committed to making life on campus more comfortable for everyone.
INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS (Effective for the Next 2-3 weeks):
In line with best practices and as part of our review, please note the following operational guidelines:
1.Status Quo Maintained (Temporarily): All commercial vehicles are to drop passengers at the new park near the University gate.
2.Old Park Usage (Limited): Passengers may still disembark at the old park during this period, but no commercial buses are permitted to wait to pick passengers.
3. University Shuttle Use Only: Only University-operated buses are allowed to pick up passengers from the old park.
4. Keke Napep Relocation: Tricycles (Keke Napep) are to relocate to the open space around the Students’ Union Building/Bukateria arena.
5. Cancellation of New Bus Stop: The recently created bus stop opposite the Faculty of Education is hereby cancelled.
6. Restricted Pickups at Old Park: No vehicle, aside from university buses, may pick passengers from the old park.
ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS:
To address concerns about potential financial strain, please note the following:
The fare from the University Terminus at Tanke to campus remains at 200.
With our current arrangements, the fare from the new park to campus via University buses is now N100.
This, by our assessment, represents a reduction in daily transport costs. We are optimistic that this will improve further as we expand our bus fleet.
We remain open to further engagement and welcome continued dialogue from staff and students. We appeal to all members of the University community to support this process as we work together to sustain and strengthen our institutional values and culture.
Thank you.
Signed
Prof. Wahab Egbewole SAN Vice-Chancellor
October 7, 2025