A cross-section of students in Ibadan has expressed concern over the high cost of fuel and its attendant scarcity, claiming their academic and social lifestyles have been disrupted.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported on Monday that the situation, where vehicles and residents wait endlessly in long queues, started about three weeks ago across the nation.
Some stations have also taken advantage of the situation to sell at an exorbitant rate of between N750 to N850 per litre.
A student of The Polytechnic Ibadan, Miss Yetunde Ogundele, says the scarcity has brought about an increase in her transportation budget.
“An increase in fuel means an increase in transport cost. For people like me living off campus, my budget for fuel has increased dramatically compared to the last session.
“I used to take a cab for N150 from my house to the school gate, but now, they’re charging nothing less than N300,” she said.
Another concerned student, Mr Abdulsalam Jamal, said he bought fuel on Saturday at N800 per litre against N630 a few days ago.
“How did the rate increase so high and so fast?
“I can’t buy fuel the way I used to because even when I buy, it dries off quickly in my generator; to add to it, there is no light.
“How are we supposed to charge our phones and other gadgets? How are we supposed to get class updates and do assignments? Please, the government should do something about this,” he said.
Meanwhile, Miss Adesewa Adiyan of The Polytechnic Ibadan described the situation as discouraging.
According to her, the price of fuel is so outrageous, such that it is no longer affordable.
“The government should return the subsidy on fuel because since it was removed, the filling stations have not had a fixed price; they are always increasing as they like.
“The government should help us fix the price because it is highly disheartening,” she said.
Another student, Mudathir Oyindamola, felt bothered about his health and how health institutions had become negatively affected by the situation.
“I went to the hospital today, but they couldn’t attend to me because they didn’t have light and they couldn’t turn on their generator because of the fuel scarcity.
“This isn’t the life I choose; the government should do better because it’s unfair. Why would I be sick and also be affected by fuel shortage?
“It’s really hard for everybody, not to talk of dependent students. Please, help us resolve this issue before it gets out of hand,” he pleaded.
According to a student and a business owner in school, Miss Aramide Jacob’s, her business is gradually winding down due to the situation.
Jacob’s stated, “I have to create content for my business online and I need light to do that. But now that there’s no power, I rely fully on my generator.
“Sadly, getting fuel is a problem, especially in this area. The cost of living is high and buying food and everything is now so expensive.”
