Students at Landmark University in Omu Aran, Kwara State, have expressed disappointment with an alternative transport arrangement organised by the institution for the December break, citing excessive charges and unmet promises.
The university, operated by Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) under Bishop David Oyedepo, issued a memo promising security personnel would accompany convoys. However, several students who used the service reported disappointment.
One parent whose child used the school transport lamented that the bus dropped his child at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, instead of Sango, Ogun State, as promised, despite paying ₦41,000 in fees.
"When I complained, they asked for my child's name, which I refused to provide. I don't want him to be victimised at school," the parent stated.
Mr Segun Ajetunmobi, another parent, revealed he was unaware of the school's official arrangement, noting that his son used a privately organised option costing only ₦15,000.
"What I know is that some parents organise their own transport to bring their wards home. My son was part of such an arrangement, and we paid only ₦15,000. He has always used that option rather than the school's, so I am surprised to hear about these high costs," Ajetunmobi explained.
Students complained primarily about the ₦40,000 charge for trips from Omu Aran to Lagos, with one student noting that regular buses at motor parks do not charge more than ₦15,000.
"We thought the buses would be air conditioned, given the amount charged. It turned out to be regular commercial buses that did not provide the expected comfort," a student who travelled from Omu Aran to Lagos last December stated.
Students also claimed that, contrary to the school's promise, no security officials accompanied them on the journey.
Emeka Onyewuotu, a representative of the transport committee, contacted via the number provided in the solicitation email, denied allegations that the school failed to meet its obligations, explaining that the arrangement was optional and not compulsory.
"The high cost was due to the fees for security personnel to accompany the vehicles. There were security teams attached to each trip; they were simply in a separate vehicle rather than inside the buses with the students," Onyewuotu clarified.
He acknowledged that some trips faced logistical hurdles, revealing that vehicles heading to Abuja and Lagos experienced mechanical issues, prompting the university to refund 50 per cent of the fare to affected students.
Many students have since rejected the option, preferring to arrange their own travel home during holidays.
