Professor Anthony Oyenuga, Dean of the College of Vocational and Technology Education at Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), has advocated for the integration of road signals and safe motoring education into the curricula of Nigeria’s secondary and tertiary institutions. He believes this step is crucial in tackling the persistent wave of fatal road accidents across the country.
Oyenuga made the appeal on Monday while delivering the university’s 33rd inaugural lecture titled “The Vehicle: An Enemy in Camouflage.”
“Early education on safe driving practices would foster a culture of responsible motoring among Nigerians,” Oyenuga said. “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 through tertiary education.”
In his lecture, the seasoned academic underscored the paradoxical nature of vehicles, describing them as both facilitators of modern life and potential threats to human health and safety. He pointed to the negative consequences of vehicle misuse, including emissions, environmental degradation, and rising road accident fatalities.
As part of his recommendations, Oyenuga called on automobile manufacturers to integrate advanced safety technologies—particularly sensors capable of halting vehicles automatically when a collision risk is detected within a one-kilometre range.
He also emphasized the need for regular vehicle maintenance, journey planning, adherence to traffic regulations, speed control, and discouragement of aggressive driving, describing these as essential preventive measures to stop vehicles from becoming “enemies in camouflage.”
Further, the professor urged governments at all levels to strengthen public enlightenment campaigns that educate citizens on the dangers of reckless driving and promote sustainable, responsible transportation practices.
Vice Chancellor of TASUED, Professor Oluwole Banjo, commended Professor Oyenuga for his scholarly contribution and reiterated the importance of routine vehicle maintenance and strict compliance with traffic signage and road safety protocols. Banjo expressed optimism that sustained awareness and responsible driving could significantly reduce the frequency of road accidents in Nigeria.
Professor Oyenuga, a trailblazer in his field, is the first Professor of Industrial Technical Education at TASUED and in Ijebu land, and the third across South Western Nigeria—an accomplishment reflecting decades of dedication to academia and public service.