Amid the rising cost of transportation in the country, the Federal Government has introduced a special palliative to reduce the cost of transportation at Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

The initiative, tagged Special Palliative Relief on University Transportation (SPROUT), being implemented under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV) is anchored to provide an affordable and accessible mobility solution on campus.

Unveiling the awareness campaign for SPROUT at BUK on Thursday, the Executive Chairman of PiCNG & EV, Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed, disclosed that the project focuses on providing clean and affordable transport efficiency.

Barrister Ahmed added that the programme is aimed at making transportation within and around the university more accessible and affordable through the deployment of CNG-powered buses.

Ahmed, who was represented by Louisa Afu, explained that the programme, scheduled for implementation next week, is being anchored through a partnership with FEMADEC Energy and MD GIF.

According to him, “The programme is designed to introduce affordable transportation solutions through the establishment of CNG refuelling stations, vehicle conversion centres, and the phased deployment of buses and tricycles to participating institutions.

“We are here today alongside our partners from FEMADEC Energy, and together, we have brought good tidings to Bayero University, Kano.

“As you may recall, following Mr President’s May 29 inaugural address and the subsequent removal of the petrol subsidy, which led to the establishment of PiCNG and EV, the initiative was given the mandate to move the nation towards clean energy and mobility solutions while attracting investment.

“However, today, we are not just here to talk about clean mobility, but, most importantly, to bring affordable transportation closer to you.

“As you know, transportation is an important part of everyday life for students and staff of universities, and when the cost of transportation is high, it affects everyone,” Ahmed said.

The presidential aide posited that the success of SPROUT would not only be measured by the infrastructure provided but also by its impact on the academic system and the welfare of the university community.

Responding, the Dean of Student Affairs, BUK, Mukhtar Ibrahim Bunza, commended the Federal Government for its CNG initiatives and intervention aimed at easing the high cost of transportation on campus.