The University of Abomey-Calavi, one of the largest public universities in Benin, has officially launched a transport system aimed at easing the mobility challenges faced by students. The launch ceremony, which took place on September 20, 2026, was attended by government officials, university administrators, student representatives, and officials from La Poste SA, the company responsible for operating the service.
A total of 63 buses have been allocated to serve the main university centers, with 35 buses assigned to the University of Abomey-Calavi, 8 to the University of Parakou, 10 to the National University of Agriculture, and 10 to the National University of Abomey. This initiative aims to address the difficulties students face in commuting to and from campus, including long distances, transportation costs, and waiting times.
The project, which has been in the works since 2018, is expected to improve the overall learning experience for students. According to Dr. Sèdami Fagla, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the project gained momentum in May 2026. The minister emphasized that academic success is not just about what happens in the classroom but also about the journey to get there.
The transport system will be operated by La Poste SA, with each bus having a driver and a controller responsible for managing the service. The controller will handle tasks such as welcoming passengers, validating tickets, maintaining order on board, and reporting any incidents. To ensure safety, the buses are equipped with geolocation systems, and the maximum speed is limited to 40 km/h.
Students will be required to purchase tickets using a specially designed system that caters to different types of phones. Those with smartphones can access the dedicated platform, log in to their personal space, and select the transport service to make a purchase. For users with basic phones, an alternative option is available by dialing *611#, selecting "University Transport," and following the prompts.
Student organizations have announced plans to sensitize their peers on the proper use of the buses and to provide feedback on any challenges they may encounter. The introduction of this transport system is expected to reduce transportation costs, save time, and enhance safety and comfort for students traveling to and from campus.
The government has allocated significant resources to support the education sector, including a package of social measures worth 30 billion Fcfa for the 2026-2027 academic year. The university transport system is part of a broader effort to improve the quality of education and provide students with a conducive learning environment.
Key points
- 63 buses have been allocated to serve the main university centers in Benin.
- The transport system aims to address the mobility challenges faced by students, including long distances, transportation costs, and waiting times.
- The project, which began in 2018, gained momentum in May 2026 under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
