The Federal Road Safety Corps and Management of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, (MOUAU), Abia State, have agreed to collaborate in human capacity, training of staff of both organizations to enhance safety of commuters and the administration of rescue operation.
The Abia Sector Commandant of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Comdr. Paul Ugwu, made the disclosure while leading a team of the State Command at a meeting with the Management of the University.
The FRSC commander also lauded the giant strides of the administration of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, in research and physical facilities in agricultural development.
Citing the commencement of rehabilitation work on the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Federal Road, Mr. Ugwu said it is of utmost importance for the University to seek intervention for the construction of a pedestrian bridge for the safety of her staff and students.
He mentioned that bumps for speed limits are needed before and after approaching the University gates on both entrances and exits, and also added that a Road Safety Audit of the University was necessary to enhance vehicular movement within the campus.
Mr. Ugwu urged the university to mount road signage at needed locations, maintaining that the Command was willing to train the University drivers for good and safe driving knowledge and also for first responders capacity to administer first aid assistance at the scene of an incident before the arrival of FRSC Rescue Operations.
The visitors used the occasion to sensitise their host on issues relating to Free Vehicle Safety Checks, online Vehicle registration modalities, change of vehicle ownership and issues concerning payment of insurance.
The FRSC Commander also seized the opportunity to solicit for the university to facilitate admission processes of their staff who seek to pursue further studies as well as train interested staff in some agricultural skills acquisition programmes.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, applauded the command for her role in safeguarding lives on roads and for accommodating the university staff as Special Road Marshalls to assist the sector in some of her assignments.
The VC was quoted in a release as saying, “the visit was an indication of how important the university is to Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) which would foster closer relationship that will be beneficial to both establishments. He promised the visitors that their requests will be given the necessary attention”.