A Geographical Analysis of Free Bus Shuttle System in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The research aimed at examining the policy of the State Government in providing free shuttle buses for the students in the state. Seven towns in Ondo State, where free shuttle buses were operating were purposively selected. The selected Towns were Ikare, Owo, Akure, Ondo, Okitipupa, Irele and Igbokoda. Five public schools were randomly selected using balloting method in each of the Towns. In all, thirty-five schools were involved in the research. Furthermore, ten students from each arm of the classes (JSS I to SSS III) were selected using balloting method of sampling technique. In-depth interview were conducted on parents and Principal of the schools. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaire administered to students, teachers and operators of the shuttle buses. Secondary source of data include the use of maps (Ondo State map), published articles and journals. Information on school population and other information on public schools relevant to this research were collected from the State Ministry of Education. Data collected from the field were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. The result shows that since the commencement of the free bus shuttle, rate of lateness had been drastically reduced. Moral teaching and instructions given at the morning assembly had impact on larger number of students who come to school on time. The Result also revealed high rate of cognitive development of the students’ base on class’s attendance. The paper recommends that more buses should be provided for the schools and that all schools in the state should be included in the scheme.