The University of Jos has introduced the use of bikes on the Naraguta and Bauchi Road Campuses. This development was brought about this semester to ease accessibility and mobility for students around the campus. It has been met with enthusiasm from students and staff who have to trek from the gate to their various faculties.
Prior to this session, due to the high sensitive of the area and crises over the years, the use of bikes on campus was not officially permitted. With its recent introduction, students and staff alike can use them. While most students are ecstatic about this development, some students are still not aware that there are now bikes on campus. Sandra Nelson, a criminology student in the faculty of social sciences, mentioned that she wasn’t aware there are bikes in school but stated that “It can help students reach their faculties faster In case they are late.” Another student, Elijah David, a student from the faculty of management sciences, said he “heard about it but has not really seen them on campus.”
The introduction of the bikes had affected students’ daily routine, especially for those who come from the gate to the faculties of Agriculture, Natural sciences and Veterinary Medicine which are tucked away behind the hostels. It has also brought about issues of safety and identification of the bike men. A staff of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) unit who wishes to remain anonymous said the introduction of the bikes has significantly eased movement across campus. According to him “It has reduced the time spent walking between facilities and lecture halls making it easier to stick to tight schedules. It also offers a quicker alternative for those who would otherwise have to trek long distances. He also mentioned that his experience with them has been convenient and affordable because the riders are often familiar with the campus layout.”
The introduction of bikes has significantly eased movement across campus. For many students and staff, it has reduced the time spent walking between lecture halls, hostels, and other facilities, making it easier to stick to tight schedules. Additionally, it offers a quicker alternative for those who would otherwise have to trek long distances. On whether there has been some safety concerns with the bikes on campus, he had this to say “Some safety concerns have been raised, such as reckless riding by some operators, lack of helmets for passengers, and the absence of dedicated bike lanes, which increases the risk of accidents. During busy periods, congestion at key campus locations can also create hazards for pedestrians and riders alike.”
Also a student, Esther Eyimonye, from the Department of Agricultural Sciences, expressed her concerns of whether the bikemen belong to any association. “If there can be an association of bikers, it would be good.”
She also said,”There was one time I took a bike and a lecturer stopped him and asked if he was operating legally in the school”. Dashe Christopher Peret, the president of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Accounting department, said these concerns have been addressed. “Concerns were raised at the faculty presidents forum meeting and SUG executives meeting on whether some of the bikes are registered and known and in the case of any unforeseen circumstances, what do they do?” Dashe said, “It was very interesting to know that these people have been documented and their operation is legal and safe.” He said it is very advisable that students use them because there is a speed limit they can’t exceed and a limit they can’t go below.
A bikeman, Mr Abdullahi Yunusa Alhassan, who confirmed that there is indeed an association, called “University of Jos Okada Riders Association” which is presided by Mr Audu. The bikemen have not experienced any challenge since they started. The demand is very high with the students. He said, “Right now, as they have introduced the bikes, there’s no challenge because we have the cooperation of the security and students.” They carry students from the gate, inside the school and sometimes even outside the school. The only challenge they seem to be facing is the cost of petrol which has made them increase their prices from 100 to 200 naira.
The decision of introducing the bikes have made the campus more accessible, especially for students with tight schedules or those who find it challenging to walk long distances. It has also helped connect remote parts of the campus, which might otherwise have been difficult to access quickly thereby promoting environmental awareness among students and staff.
Reports and Photos by Sowe Patricia Pwaveno
Edited by Isama Anyaole Peace
