The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State, has warned commercial tricycle operators against allegedly overcharging students for transportation within and around the university, urging freshers and returning students to familiarise themselves with the approved fares.
The union said it had received complaints that some Keke riders were demanding payments above the stipulated amounts, raising concerns about the cost of daily transportation for students travelling between the campus and nearby locations.
In a notice to students, the SUG outlined the approved fares for three categories of movement, advising students not to pay more than the stated amounts.
According to the union, a trip from the outside park into the university costs ₦300, while transportation from inside the campus to the outside costs ₦200. Movements within the school are expected to cost ₦100.
The union urged students to remain alert when using tricycles and to challenge unauthorised fare increases through the appropriate reporting channel rather than allowing the alleged practice to continue unchecked.
It advised any student who is charged above the approved fare to record the tricycle’s identification or plate number and report the incident to the SUG Secretary-General for follow-up.
The SUG also disclosed that it had formally written to the chairman of the Keke operators concerning the complaints and was working towards resolving the matter.
The intervention is particularly relevant to newly admitted students who may be unfamiliar with transportation arrangements, campus routes and the fares expected for common journeys around the university.
Freshers are therefore encouraged to confirm the applicable fares before boarding tricycles and to seek clarification from student representatives whenever they are uncertain about a route or charge.
Transportation costs are part of the everyday expenses students must manage while pursuing their education. Where fares are unclear or inconsistently applied, students may face additional financial pressure, particularly those who depend on commercial transport to attend lectures and access essential services.
The SUG’s announcement seeks to establish a clearer understanding of the approved charges and provide a reporting mechanism for students who believe they have been overcharged.
However, the effectiveness of the intervention will depend on cooperation between the union, tricycle operators and their leadership, alongside consistent communication of the fare structure to drivers and passengers.
Students who experience a suspected violation have been encouraged to report the details, including the tricycle’s plate number, to the SUG Secretary-General so the union can follow up on the complaint.
The union urged students, especially freshers, to share the information through departmental and faculty groups to ensure that members of the university community are aware of the stated fares.
The Nigeria Education News notes that the amounts listed in this report reflect the fare schedule communicated by the SUG; students should refer to the union for any subsequent official updates or changes.
