OAU SU Demands Action from FG, State Govts Following Student’s Death

Following the sudden death of a final year student of the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ile-Ife, which occurred on the 21st of August, the Great Ife Students’ Union has written an Open letter to the Federal government and the Osun State government on the need to take immediate and decisive action to prevent such incidents from recurring.

According to the open letter, the student body charged the government to prioritize the implementation of key infrastructure and safety measures to protect the lives of students.

The student body requested the establishment of a designated garage for Lagos/Ibadan buses as this will create a specific area for bus routes and parking, reducing congestion and ensuring clear visibility at the highway intersection for students.

Furthermore, the student body advocates for the construction of functional pedestrian bridges outside the campus gate as the integrity of the one available is in doubt. According to the open letter, the bridges will provide safe crossing points for students and other pedestrians, significantly reducing the chances of accidents involving vehicles. As the safety of students should never be compromised, therefore, ensuring safe pathways is a fundamental step towards achieving that.

In addition, because reckless driving and non-compliance with traffic rules pose a serious threat to lives, the authorities were urged to strictly enforce traffic rules, as clear and enforced traffic regulations will enhance road safety within and outside the campus.

Meanwhile, the school management was also called upon by the student body to take proactive measures to ensure lasting solutions, which include the construction of speed bumps at strategic locations within and outside campus gates to prevent such awful occurrences. The installation of traffic signs and rules to guide both drivers and pedestrians should also be put in place.

Consequently, the Union implores the federal and state governments, as well as the school authorities, to respond swiftly and decisively, as the safety of the students is a top priority.