Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has launched a solar-powered campus tricycle shuttle service aimed at providing affordable, safe and reliable transportation for staff and students while strengthening security within the institution.
The initiative was officially inaugurated on Tuesday at the University’s Senate Building by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Muhammed Suleiman Audu, in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, principal officers, staff, students and members of the Tricycle Operators Association of Nigeria (TOAN).
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman described the launch as another milestone in the University’s commitment to improving the welfare of its community through accessible, cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation.
He expressed appreciation to the Pro-Chancellor for officiating at what he described as a historic event and noted that the solar-powered tricycles would offer cheaper transportation within the campus while complementing the services of motorcycle operators to enhance mobility and security.
The Vice-Chancellor also commended the facilitator of the project, Hon. Isah Emmanuel Ojodunwene, Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor, for supporting the University’s efforts to create a more conducive learning environment.
Prof. Usman urged the tricycle operators to maintain professionalism, ensure proper maintenance of the vehicles and provide responsible and student-friendly services.
He also encouraged members of the association to remain united and contribute to the peaceful development of the University.
The Vice-Chancellor thanked Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his continued support for the institution and also acknowledged the immediate past Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, for his sustained encouragement and confidence in the University’s leadership.
He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to implementing policies and programmes that promote academic excellence, security and quality service delivery.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Tricycle Operators Association of Nigeria (TOAN), Kogi State Chapter, Comrade Ahmed Sadiq Achemaje, praised the Vice-Chancellor for introducing what he described as the first organised campus tricycle shuttle service since the establishment of the University.
Achemaje, an alumnus of PAAU, assured the management that all operators would comply with the institution’s rules and regulations while delivering safe and efficient transportation services.
He added that all tricycles operating under the scheme would be painted in the University’s official colours to distinguish them from commercial tricycles and preserve the identity of the campus shuttle service.
In his remarks, Pro-Chancellor Prof. Muhammed Suleiman Audu commended Governor Ododo and former Governor Yahaya Bello for their support in creating an enabling environment for the University’s ongoing transformation.
He also lauded Vice-Chancellor Prof. Usman for demonstrating purposeful leadership through initiatives that have improved infrastructure, security, academic standards and staff and student welfare.
Prof. Audu further praised TOAN Chairman Ahmed Sadiq Achemaje for mobilising members of the association to contribute to the development of their alma mater.
Officially inaugurating the solar-powered campus tricycle shuttle service, the Pro-Chancellor expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly improve transportation, strengthen campus security and further enhance the University’s teaching, learning and research environment.
