UNICAL SUG Extends Shuttle Service to Medical College and Pharmacy

The Students' Union Government (SUG) Directorate of Welfare at the University of Calabar has announced a significant expansion of its campus transportation network to improve student mobility and safety.

Service Extension Details

In an official memorandum issued on December 13, 2025, the SUG Directorate of Welfare confirmed the extension of shuttle services to cover the Medical College–Pharmacy route, effective Monday, December 15, 2025.

The move is designed to enhance mobility and provide safer, faster, and more accessible transportation for students and staff of the Faculties of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Computing.

Background and Consultations

This development follows extensive consultations between:

• SUG Welfare Directorate
• University Transport Unit
• Faculty Leaders
• Other relevant university authorities

According to the memo signed by the Director of Welfare, Sen. Obioha Ozioma Precious, the extension directly addresses the growing transportation challenges faced by students navigating the terrain to access the College of Medical Sciences.

Operational Details

Service Schedule

• Effective Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
• Operational Hours: Daily services from 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
• Route: Medical College – Pharmacy

Fare and Payment

The fare for this specific route has been set at ₦150. The SUG explained that this represents a slight increase attributed to the unique terrain and operational costs associated with servicing the Medical College area.

Boarding Information

Students are advised to queue orderly at the designated stand at the Main Gate for the College–Pharmacy shuttle. Proper queuing ensures efficient service delivery and safety for all passengers.

Feedback and Complaints Mechanism

The SUG has established a structured feedback system for service quality:

• Complaints regarding shuttle conduct: Report to your Faculty President
• Fare issues: Channel through Faculty Presidents
• Safety concerns: Report to the SUG Director of Welfare via Faculty Presidents

This hierarchical reporting structure ensures that all concerns are properly documented and addressed by the appropriate authorities.

Who Benefits from This Service

The shuttle extension primarily serves students and staff from:

• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• Faculty of Computing

SUG Commitment to Student Welfare

The SUG Directorate of Welfare emphasized its commitment to improving student welfare services and fostering an academic environment that prioritizes comfort and safety.

The Directorate appealed for full cooperation from students and staff in spreading awareness about the new service to ensure maximum benefit for the university community.

Importance of Campus Transportation

The Medical College area at UNICAL presents unique terrain challenges that make walking difficult and time-consuming for students. This shuttle service extension:

• Reduces travel time between campus locations
• Improves student safety, especially during early morning and late afternoon hours
• Makes medical and pharmacy facilities more accessible
• Supports academic activities by ensuring students arrive on time for lectures and practicals

What Students Should Know

• Service starts December 15, 2025 – plan your campus travel accordingly
• Fare is ₦150 – have exact change ready for faster boarding
• Board at Main Gate – designated stand for the Medical College route
• Peak hours: 7:00-10:00 AM and 2:00-5:30 PM
• Report issues through proper channels (Faculty Presidents)

This initiative demonstrates the UNICAL SUG's proactive approach to addressing student needs and improving campus life. Students are encouraged to utilize the service and provide constructive feedback for continuous improvement.