Professor Anthony Oyenuga, Dean of the College of Vocational and Technology Education, Tai Solarin University of Education, has called for the integration of road signals and safe motoring education into the curricula of both secondary and tertiary institutions across Nigeria to stem the ugly tide of carnage on our highways.
Oyenuga, in a statement on Monday, made this call while delivering the 33rd inaugural lecture of the university titled “The Vehicle: An Enemy In Camouflage”.
He said, “Early education on safe driving practices would foster a culture of responsible motoring among Nigerians.
“And it is instructive to also add that we must be intentional in building this culture of safety into our young ones by introducing safe motoring into our school curriculum from secondary school to tertiary institutions.”
The university lecturer also highlighted the dual roles of vehicles, noting that while they serve positive functions, they also contribute to emissions, pollution, and accidents that adversely affect human health and the environment.
Oyenuga urged vehicle manufacturers to enhance safety by incorporating sensors capable of automatically stopping vehicles when an accident is imminent within at least one kilometre.
He also stressed the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, proper journey planning, strict adherence to traffic laws and road signals, speed control, and avoidance of aggressive driving as critical measures to prevent vehicles from becoming “enemies in camouflage.”
Oyenuga equally called on the government at all levels to intensify public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the risks of vehicle misuse and promote responsible behaviour and sustainable transportation choices.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, congratulated Professor Oyenuga on his academic achievement and underscored the importance of routine vehicle maintenance to ensure continuous functionality.
Banjo advocated for strict compliance with traffic road signs, signals, and markings to reduce and potentially eradicate road accidents.
Oyenuga is recognised as the first Professor of Industrial Technical Education at TASUED, Ogun State, and in Ijebu land, as well as the third in the entire South Western Nigeria, a testament to his dedication and hard work.
