Traffic Lights Not Working and Zebra Crossings Ignored as OAU Roads Become More Dangerous

Ifeoluwa Lambe

More than two months after traffic lights on Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) campus were repainted, they are still not working. This has made the roads on campus more dangerous for everyone.

In early February, students and staff saw workers repainting the old traffic lights. Many people hoped this meant the lights would soon start working again. But those hopes have faded, as the lights still do not work.

A student said, “When they painted the lights, we thought they would fix them. But nothing has changed. The lights look good, but they are not useful.”

The traffic lights at busy places like SUB, Aluta–Faj Annex Road, Road 5 near the Faculty of Agriculture, and the area around the Senate Building are now just colourful poles. They do not help control the growing number of cars and people moving around campus.

Because the traffic lights do not work, students often have to run across busy roads. Drivers also move without clear rules, making the roads even more risky.

Another problem is that many drivers and motorcyclists ignore zebra crossings. Even though these crossings are clearly marked at places like the SUB axis, Biological Sciences Area, and White House Area, drivers do not stop for people crossing the road. Students often have to stop in the middle of the road or run to avoid being hit.

One student said, “I have almost been hit twice while using the zebra crossing near the Senate Building. Drivers do not slow down. It is like they cannot see the zebra crossing.”

Some drivers, especially students, are also driving too fast and making loud noises on campus. These actions, along with the lack of working traffic lights, make the roads even more dangerous for everyone.

While some drivers and commercial motorcyclists complain about the confusion on the roads, students say that drivers should still show respect and allow people to cross safely.