By: Aduwo Ayodele 

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, has on Monday, 22 January 2024 explained that the institution is committed to ensuring an environment that is accident free, as it prioritizes safety as an essential human need.

Making the statement on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, while declaring the UI 2024 Road Safety Week open, an event organised by the FRSC Special Marshals Unit 47 of the University of Ibadan, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration stated that the University is making all efforts within its reach to maintain its road networks.

Professor Peter Olapegba in his charge to the Special Marshals encouraged the officers to always be conscious of their personal safety and the safety of others, while leading by example.

Advising road users within the University community, the Deputy Vice Chancellor 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”.

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, imploring them 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.

At the event, public enlightenment cards that contained the list of frequently encountered road infractions on the campus were distributed, which 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, over-speeding, 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) or driving without wearing seat belts.

For the record, UI Federal Road Safety Corps Special Marshals Unit 47 has professors, other academic staff, top ranking administrators, and junior workers as members. The Unit ensures sanity and safety on the roads within and near the campus.