The management of Rivers State University in Port Harcourt has stopped undergraduate students from driving personal cars on campus from 4 p.m. to 7 a.m. This decision comes after the death of a 21-year-old student who was reportedly hit by a speeding vehicle.
The Acting Registrar, Dr Idanyingi Daminabo, shared this news on Friday while speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt.
Daminabo explained that the decision was made after Eno Udoson was reportedly struck by a vehicle driven by another student on campus last Tuesday.
He sent his condolences to Eno's family, friends, and classmates.
Preliminary reports show that the accident involved two students, Darlington Onuaku from the Department of Development and Communication Studies and Obinna Ikechi from the Department of Computer Science.
"Both students have been arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution," he said.
The registrar mentioned that the university had earlier put speed limits, speed bumps, and penalties in place to control vehicle movement. But they decided to take more safety steps after an emergency meeting on Wednesday.
"Under the new rules, undergraduate students cannot drive personal cars into campus between 4 p.m. and 7 a.m.," he stated.
He added that students who bring vehicles to the university must park at the designated car park near the main gate. They will need to use the university's authorized shuttle services for getting around the campus.
Daminabo also said postgraduate and Centre for Continuing Education students can only drive personal vehicles on campus if they present valid university ID cards.
"Any student found driving recklessly will face suspension, disciplinary action, and their vehicle will be impounded," he warned.
He also announced that visiting hours to student hostels will now end at 6 p.m. daily. The speed limit remains at 30 kilometers per hour on main roads and 20 kilometers per hour in residential areas.
He said the new rules aim to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors.
In the meantime, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed they have arrested two suspects linked to the student’s death.
ASP Blessing Agabe, the spokesperson for the command, said the suspects were involved in the fatal accident that happened along Road A in the university.
She added that the victim’s body has been taken to a mortuary while investigations are ongoing.
"Investigations are ongoing, and anyone found responsible will face the law," she noted.
A relative of the deceased, Mr Moore Mike-Ogburia, who is also a lecturer at the university, claimed that Udoson was on her way back to the staff quarters when two drivers, allegedly racing, collided and hit her.
He called for the prosecution of those responsible, labeling the drivers as reckless. He argued that stricter traffic rules could have stopped this tragedy.
"Eno's death could have been avoided if past offenders had their vehicles impounded and drivers arrested and prosecuted. Similar accidents happen almost every semester," he said.
He urged the university and relevant agencies to improve road safety measures to avoid future incidents.
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