By Fathiu Jimoh
After a busy lecture day, Sadudeen Ibrahim Atanda, a 200-level Islamic studies student visited Maccido Yusuf’s shop to purchase a pack of ‘Top biscuits.’ However, upon paying the money, the vendor informed him that the price had increased to N400, whereas Ibrahim was accustomed to paying N350. The disagreement quickly escalated into a heated argument, with both parties refusing to budge. Fortunately, Abdulmalik Imam, Ibrahim’s friend, intervened and mediated the dispute, resolving the issue amicably.
When Abdulmalik asked Ibrahim why he bought biscuits from a shop with such a high price, Ibrahim replied that it is because the CTC shop is close to his lecture hall. Interestingly, Ibrahim had purchased the same biscuits the previous day from Halimatu Saadatu Umar’s shop at N300, another CTC shop, for N300.
“I brought this biscuit and the vendor said it is N350, instead of N300,” Ibrahim said, expressing his frustration.
Similarly, Abdulrahman Maridiyat, a 200-level English student, had a similar experience when she purchased Coca-Cola from Al-Musti’s shop. The shop director informed her that the drink cost N500, not N400 as she had expected. Maridiyat was left distraught and tearful, unable to afford the price hike due to limited funds.
Her friends found the situation amusing and laughed at her predicament. They wondered why she couldn’t get the drink from another shop at a better price.
“The vendors change the price on me,” Mardiyat exclaimed, showing the drink she had bought earlier. “A drink I brought three days ago was supposed to cost N400, not 500!”
Like Mardiyat, Abdulwaheed Isola, a 200-level law student, shares similar concern about the price inconsistencies in the CTC shops. He believes that the fluctuating prices are having a negative impact on students, particularly those struggling financially.
“An item costs N300 one day, and the next day it’s N350 or N400. This unpredictability is challenging for students who are already struggling to make ends meet.” He lamented.
Abdulwaheed’s concerns are rooted in his personal experience with buying exercise books from different CTC shops. He recalled purchasing an exercise book from Abu’s shop for N250, only to discover that the same notebook was being sold for N300 at Halimatu Saadatu Umar’s shop within the campus.
Investigations by News Digest Press revealed that many students have been complaining about the price discrepancies in CTC shops for a long time. When this reporter spoke to the SU CTC Director, Maccido Yusuf’s shop attributed the high prices of taxes imposed by the school. According to him, he has no choice but to pass on the costs to customers.
However, Mustaph’s shop, located near the formal Agricultural department, operates as a separate entity with its own distinct products. Unfortunately, the issue of the price inconsistency and unfair pricing practice persist, affecting many students. Notably, the CTC chairman has yet to address this long- standing problem, leaving the students to navigate these challenges on their own.
CTC Shops Directors Reveal the Truth Behind Price Hikes
The directors of various CTC shops shared their perspectives with news digest press on the price discrepancies.
Musti shop, near in A class at the formal Agricultural department, the director of the shop, stated,
“I don’t add high prices to small items like biscuits, but for larger items like soft drinks, I factor in the cost from the producer and add my own markup to make a profit. It’s essential to gain from business.”
Abu’s shop at Jubril Aminu hostel echoed similar sentiments. The director emphasized that prices are set to cover annual dues to the chairman, salaries for shop attendants, and personal gains.
“I don’t receive any special funding, so I have to factor these costs into the prices.”
Murtold Mujitab’s shop at Bakasi hostel also attributed price settings to profit-making.
“I add my markup because I need to gain from the business.”
Yusuf Meccedo, located in A class behind the history department, ‘is unable to provide the reason for high charge prices’ .
“The directors’ explanations highlight the challenges students face due to high prices and inconsistent pricing in CTC shops. This issue affects students’ peace of mind and financial stability.”
Fair Prices Elusive: Students’ Discontent with CTC Shops
Students are dissatisfied with the current pricing situation in SU CTC shops. They cited high prices and inconsistent pricing as major concerns. The News Digest Press can relate.
According to the students’ handbook, the union objective is to provide affordable goods to students through legitimate means, implying fair and reasonable prices. The discrepancy between the expected prices and the actual prices charged by CTC shops has led to widespread discontent among students.
The Students handbook read as follows: “Article 11, subsection 8, the union’s objective is to achieve its goals through legitimate means. The interpretation of this section suggests that students should be able to purchase goods at lower prices in CTC shops compared to other vendors. The emphasis on “legitimate means” implies that the prices should be fair and reasonable for students.”
Students are dissatisfied with the current pricing situation in SU CTC shops. They cited high prices and inconsistent pricing as major concerns. The News Digest Press can relate.
According to the students’ handbook, the union objective is to provide affordable goods to students through legitimate means, implying fair and reasonable prices. The discrepancy between the expected prices and the actual prices charged by CTC shops has led to widespread discontent among students.
The Students handbook read as follows: “Article 11, subsection 8, the union’s objective is to achieve its goals through legitimate means. The interpretation of this section suggests that students should be able to purchase goods at lower prices in CTC shops compared to other vendors. The emphasis on “legitimate means” implies that the prices should be fair and reasonable for students.”
Prices at Other Shops
Apart from CTC shops, other vendors in the school Mini-market offer competitive prices. Abu’s shop sells Top biscuits for N250 and exercise books for N250. The vendor noted that the exercise book price has increased from N200 just two weeks prior.
Muhammad Bawa’s shop also sells Top biscuits for N250, assuring customers that no extra charges were added. Additionally, a 40-page exercise book costs N250, not N300
CTC Shops Accountability
During the News Digest investigation, both CTC shops and other vendors were unwilling to provide details about their operations. However, an interview with Naziru Shehu, the CTC Chairman revealed insights.
“I’m unaware of the price discrepancies and high charges reported by students,” he clarified, promising to investigate the matter.
Naziru further explained that taxes collected from each shop were used to fund various students and school initiatives —-invluidng maintaining academic mosques, providing water facilities on campus.
“Many of these shop owners fail to pay their annual dues regularly. This has led to some shops being locked due to non-payment,” he stated, adding that, “I often cover expenses myself due to delayed payments.”
When requested to share the budget book, Naziru declined, citing that it contains sensitive information. He offered to share it after his administration was delivered.
Dean Student Affairs Takes Action
Speaking with the News Digest Press, Professor Umar Aliyu, the Dean of Student Affairs acknowledged the issues with CTC shops, stating,
“I am not aware of this happenings, but I will find a solution to it now that you’ve informed me.”
This Story was completed with support from Digest Press.