The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration of the University of Ibadan, UI, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, has stated that the University of Ibadan takes safety as an important human need. This, he said, explains why the management is committed to ensuring an environment that is accident free.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor made these statements on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, while declaring open the UI 2024 Road Safety Week organised by the FRSC Special Marshals Unit 47 of the University of Ibadan
Professor Olapegba stated that the University is making all efforts within available resources to maintain its road network.
He, however, charged the Special Marshals themselves to always obey traffic rules and check their vehicles. He said they must always be conscious of their personal safety and the safety of others and lead by example.
Professor Olapegba enjoined all members of the University community to always cooperate with Road Safety Officers because whatever they say is for the personal safety of individuals and other road users, especially the students.
He then assured that the UI Management would support the decisions of the Special Marshals in controlling road infractions on the campus.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Professor Ambrose Emilolorun Aiyelari, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, said the Road Safety Week was organised for the benefit of members of the University community.
He charged them, especially the drivers, to take advantage of the various activities, which include Lectures and Talks, medical check-ups, church and mosque services, as well a dinner party.
A Goodwill message from the State Coordinator of the Special Marshals Unit of the Federal Road Safety Commission was delivered by the Deputy State Coordinator, Reverend Joshua Adeniji who was accompanied by the State Auditor, Mr Oyetunde O. Oyeleke.
Reverend Adeniji stated that the State was pleased to be part of the activities of Unit 47 and said the State Office would give its support to all the activities.
The Coordinator of the UI Unit 47, Professor O. Fagbola assured that whatever was being done was for the benefit of the whole University community.
A Public Enlightenment card that contained the list of frequently encountered road infractions on the campus was distributed. The card urged members of the University community to desist from such offences for the safety of all.
These infractions included:
- Underage drivers
- Uncertified drivers
- Driving against traffic
- Overspeeding
- Reckless driving
- Obstruction of roads
- Use of phone while driving
- Training of drivers on campus
- Lane swerving and shunting (particularly on Oduduwa Road at peak periods)
- Driving without wearing seat belts.
