Rivers State University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi(6th left) with members of the committee.
The Rivers State University (RSU) has inaugurated a 28-member Road and Environmental Safety Committee to curb reckless driving, enforce traffic regulations and promote proper waste management across its campus.
The committee, inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, on Friday, October 16, is also expected to strengthen environmental sustainability and ensure a safer and cleaner learning environment for students, staff and other members of the university community.
Speaking during the inauguration at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Zeb-Obipi said the committee would oversee road safety issues, review cases of reckless driving and recommend appropriate sanctions to the relevant university authorities.
He expressed concern over the need for responsible conduct among motorists and other road users, stressing that compliance with traffic regulations was essential to protecting lives and property within the university.
The vice-chancellor directed the committee to organise regular road safety awareness campaigns to educate members of the university community on the dangers of speeding, reckless driving, improper parking and other traffic violations.
On environmental management, he tasked the committee with monitoring environmental awareness programmes, promoting responsible waste disposal and encouraging practices that would sustain a clean and healthy campus.
The committee is also expected to identify emerging road safety and environmental challenges, submit periodic reports to the university management and recommend practical measures to address identified problems.
Zeb-Obipi urged members to discharge their duties with diligence, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility, noting that achieving the objectives would require the cooperation of all stakeholders.
Responding on behalf of the committee, its chairman, Dr. Okemdi Chukwuma, thanked the vice-chancellor and the university management for the confidence reposed in the members.
Chukwuma pledged that the committee would adopt a proactive approach to road safety and environmental management through regular monitoring, public awareness campaigns and collaboration with relevant university departments and stakeholders.
He added that the committee would encourage students, staff and other members of the university community to take collective responsibility for complying with safety guidelines and maintaining a clean environment.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on good health and well-being, SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities, and SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production.