The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has announced a ₦500,000 penalty for students caught driving recklessly within and around the university after completing their final examinations, as part of measures to safeguard lives and maintain order on campus.
The directive was disclosed on Thursday by the university’s Registrar, Mr. Ambrose Ugwu, who said the decision followed repeated incidents of accidents and injuries caused by students engaging in dangerous driving while celebrating the completion of their examinations.
According to Ugwu, the enforcement of the directive will commence on July 31, targeting students concluding their final examinations on that date.
He explained that any vehicle impounded for reckless driving would only be released after the owner pays a ₦500,000 fine, while the student involved would also face additional disciplinary measures in line with the university’s regulations.
“The reckless driving has caused incessant injuries, and we urge students to leave quietly after writing their examinations. Any vehicle impounded over such an anomaly will pay a ₦500,000 penalty,” he said.
The registrar noted that the policy aligns with a resolution of the Enugu State House of Assembly and a directive previously issued by the Enugu State Commissioner for Education in a memo dated December 20, 2024, addressed to the university’s Vice-Chancellor.
He warned that the institution would not hesitate to enforce the directive strictly against any student found violating the rule.
Ugwu further directed all deans, directors and heads of departments to sensitise final-year students on the new policy and ensure strict compliance.
He added that the university’s Chief Security Officer, in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies, had been instructed to intensify surveillance and maintain law and order across the campus during the examination period.
He urged members of the university community to comply fully with the directive, stressing that the university remained committed to protecting lives and property by enforcing the ban on reckless driving.
Source: NAN