The Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Corp,FRSC Ondo State Command , has organized a specialized training programme for drivers in the institution. The training aimed at improving driving skills, promoting safety consciousness, and ensuring compliance with the traffic regulations. The training took place on Wed 9th April 2025.
Speaking while declaring the training open, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji Represented, by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Development, Professor Sunday Oluyamo said road safety awareness is a global phenomenon which should be taken very seriously. She commended the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor Development, and the Quality assurance Management unit for organizing the training
She thanked the FRSC, Sector Commander, Corp Commander, Samuel Ibitoye, PhD and his team for taking out time to handle the training. She said FUTA and FRSC will continue to be partners in progress.
In a training session lecture titled, Destructive Driving Habits, Ibitoye noted that destructive driving habits are wrong driving behaviors, action or inactions that can pose danger to a drivers’ life and other road users. He itemized some of these destructive vices as distracted driving, tailgating, use of phone, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fatigue /drowsy driving, over speeding and failing signal.
He defined habit as a routine of behavior that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously. He said habitual behavior goes unnoticed by persons exhibiting it, because a person does not need to engage in self-analysis when undertaking routine tasks.
Corp Commander Ibitoye said to nip accidents in the bud certain steps such as checking vehicle tyre, brake and lighting system to know if thy are in good working condition is very vital and important. He also advised that resting for about 15 minutes after every 4 hours of driving, obeying traffic rules and regulations and respect for other road users would make roads and users safer.
The traffic expert stated that driving is a skill that must be worked on every time a driver is behind the wheels. He said drivers must be diligent in their efforts to improve the skill of driving. Ibitoye said it’s a choice that every driver has to make. According to him there are very few things in life that can change so many lives as quickly as a vehicle crash, emphasizing that what takes fraction of a second to occur can cause great devastation beyond imagination, therefore road safety is a shared responsibility that everyone has a role to play to make our roads safer today and for the coming genera
In another lecture delivered by Deputy Corp Controller, Wasiu Adejumo, titled the driver and boss relationship, he defined relationship in the context of the lecture as the connection between people who interact because of their work. He said working relationship are connections you form with coworkers, colleagues and managers in the workplace, although the relationships built with colleagues and managers may not be as intimate as those one has with families and friend, they are nonetheless crucial.
He noted that the qualities of a good boss include,empathetic,integrity,accountable ,unbiased,courageous,and resilient also described the attributes of a good driver as skillful and possess a valid driver’s license, he must be courteous and respectful especially to his boss and other road users, he must observe defensive driving techniques at all times, he must be truthful, reliable and dependable, he should ensure smooth and efficient service delivery all the time.
According to the lecturer he stated that the duties and responsibilities of a driver to his boss include respect and courtesy, the vehicle must always be kept neat at always ,the driver should make sure that the vehicle is in good condition so that he will not waste the time of his boss or probably make him miss appointment because of breakdown, a good driver must not be rowdy and talk too much, slow ,patience and courtesy towards all other road users ,even to those who show less understanding and skill.
DCC Adejumo, stated that there is no doubt that a good driver who is exemplary in every sense /aspect of his profession will make the people around him see that driving is a noble profession and is as essential like any other profession.
Speaking earlier, the Director, Quality Assurance Management Unit, Professor Ola Salau, said the gathering signifies FUTA’s unwavering commitment to excellence in all facets of its operations. He said drivers play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless operation of any organization. He reiterated the key focus areas for quality assurance and risk management as drivers of FUTA include, safe driving practices, risk management, emergency response plans, vehicle maintenance, compliance with la and regulations.
Professor Salau thanked the management of FUTA for accepting to organize the workshop in collaboration with FRSC.he wished all the participants a productive and engaging training session.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
