FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO THE UNIVERSITY

FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO THE UNIVERSITY

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, has commended the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for its prompt response and professional handling of the recent tragic road crash that claimed the lives of 8 students of the University.

Professor Ishaya gave the commendation while receiving a delegation of the FRSC, led by the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Olajide Mogaji. The Vice-Chancellor described the visit as timely and reassuring, noting that it provided comfort to the University Community and the bereaved families who are still grappling with the painful loss of their loved ones. He said the accident was a gory experience that shook the entire University, adding that the presence of the FRSC delegation was a clear demonstration of empathy, responsibility and professionalism.

Professor Ishaya observed that as non-professionals in accident investigation and rescue operations, the University had limited technical knowledge of what transpired at the scene of the crash. He therefore expressed appreciation to the FRSC for its swift intervention, coordination and expertise, which, according to him, played a critical role in the rescue of the survivors.

He stressed that without the timely intervention of the Corps, the survivors of the accident might not have been alive, describing the FRSC’s actions as life-saving and worthy of commendation. He further disclosed that the University Management had planned to visit the FRSC to formally appreciate the Corps for its dedication and commitment during the rescue operations.

The VC reaffirmed the confidence of the University in the FRSC, stating that the institution could always depend on the Corps in matters relating to road safety and the protection of lives and property. Professor Ishaya added that the University values institutions that demonstrate professionalism and compassion in times of crisis.

While expressing gratitude, the Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to advocate for a stronger and sustained partnership between the University of Jos and the Federal Road Safety Corps. He proposed collaborative programmes aimed at training and retraining drivers, as well as sensitizing students and staff on safe road use.

Professor Ishaya directed the Dean of Students Affairs to invite the FRSC to participate in students’ orientation programmes, where new students would be educated on the dangers of reckless driving, the importance of traffic rules, and the benefits of responsible road behaviour. According to him, preventive measures and continuous sensitization remain the most effective ways of reducing road accidents.

Earlier in his remarks, leader of the FRSC Plateau State Command, Corps Commander Olajide Mogaji, explained that the visit was necessitated by the tragic nature of the incident which claimed the lives of Eight Students of the University. He said the Corps deemed it important to personally identify with the University during the moment of grief.

Corps Commander Mogaji disclosed that the team was also at the University to present investigative reports on the crash, assuring the University Management that thorough assessments had been carried out to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accident.

He emphasized that the FRSC had already begun putting measures in place to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, noting that road safety education remains a critical component of the Corps’ mandate. According to him, plans are underway to train and retrain students and members of the University community on safe driving practices and responsible road use.

The Sector Commander further noted that road crashes do not discriminate, stressing that accidents can happen to anyone regardless of status, age or profession. He therefore advocated for increased engagement between the FRSC and academic institutions, stating that such interactions would help inculcate road safety consciousness among young people.

Corps Commander Mogaji added that it would be beneficial for the University community to continually interact with the FRSC to understand the dangers associated with road accidents and the measures required to avoid them.

The FRSC delegation, which included Road Marshals, some who are staff of the University, extended heartfelt condolences to the University Management, Staff, Students and families of the deceased, while reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding lives on Nigerian roads through enforcement, education and advocacy.

The visit, which formed part of the Corps’ broader efforts at community engagement and post-incident response, was received by members of the University Management, who appreciated the show of solidarity and pledged the University’s readiness to collaborate in promoting road safety awareness across the campus.