Fatal Crash: OAU Students Challenge Federal, State Governments Over Road Safety Around School Gate

The students body of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife has reacted to the sad incident of Thursday August 22nd, 2024 where a final year colleague, Esu Rita Ema was crushed to death by a car at the University gate.

The Students Union in an open letter addressed to both the Federal and the Osun State Governments, expressed sadness over the incident, while describing it as avoidable.

The Union in the letter signed by its president Omoboriowo Damilola Isaac and the Secretary General Babatimehin Kinfeosi Joy, called on the Federal and the State Governments to put in place necessary measures to prevent a reoccurrence.

It reads, "In light of the tragic event, (the death of our own Esu Rita Ema, who was knocked down by a reckless driver), we urgently call on the Federal and State Governments to take immediate and decisive action to prevent such incidents from recurring. 

"It is important that the government prioritizes the implementation of key infrastructure and safety measures to protect the lives of our students.

"Firstly, we request the establishment of a designated garage for Lagos/Ibadan buses. This will create a specific area for bus routes and parking, reducing congestion and ensuring clear visibility at the highway intersection for our students.

"Secondly, we strongly advocate for the construction of functioning pedestrian bridges outside the campus gate (Ife-ibadan road), the integrity of the one we have is in doubt. 

"These bridges will provide safe crossing points for our students and other pedestrians, significantly reducing the chances of accidents involving vehicles. The safety of our students should never be compromised, and ensuring safe pathways is a fundamental step toward achieving this.

"Thirdly, we urge the authorities to strictly enforce traffic rules. Clear and enforced traffic regulations will enhance road safety within and around our campus. Reckless driving and non-compliance with traffic rules pose serious threats to lives, and this must be addressed immediately.

"Furthermore, we emphasize the need for the imposition and strict regulation of speed limits. Speed limits on the federal roads within and around our campus are essential to reducing the likelihood of accidents. 

"In addition to speed limits, it is important that speed bumps are installed on the expressway. These speed bumps will effectively slow down vehicles, ensuring the safety of our students using the federal road. 

"The construction of these bumps should be a top priority and should be in place as soon as possible. Safety on this road must be guaranteed for all our students. We also call on the school management to take proactive measures to ensure lasting solutions. 

"This includes the construction of speed bumps at strategic locations within and outside the campus gate to prevent such awful occurrences, as well as the installation of traffic signs and rules to guide both drivers and pedestrians.

"We implore the federal and state governments, as well as the school authorities, to respond swiftly and decisively. The safety of our students is a top priority, and we expect immnediate action to prevent such occurrences from ever happening again."