The Enugu State University of Science and Technology has announced a ₦500,000 penalty for students caught driving recklessly on or around its campus after completing their final examinations, as part of stricter measures to curb accidents associated with graduation celebrations.
The directive, which takes effect from July 31, was announced by the university’s Registrar, Ambrose Ugwu, who said the institution could no longer tolerate the dangerous trend because it had repeatedly resulted in injuries and posed serious risks to lives and property.
Ugwu urged graduating students to leave the campus peacefully after writing their examinations instead of engaging in celebratory stunts behind the wheel.
“The reckless driving have caused incessant injuries and we urge students to leave quietly after writing their examinations.
“Any vehicle impounded over such anomaly will pay N500,000 penalty.
“The directive commences from July 31 and is being made to the notice of students who will complete their final examinations then,” he said.
The registrar explained that the enforcement is backed by an existing resolution of the Enugu State House of Assembly and follows an earlier directive conveyed to the university through a memo issued by the Enugu State Commissioner for Education on December 20, 2024, and addressed to the Vice-Chancellor.
He warned that the university would strictly implement the policy, stressing that students found violating the directive would face not only the financial penalty but also disciplinary action under the institution’s regulations.
“The university warns that it would not hesitate to take drastic actions against students violating the directive.
“Any vehicle impounded for reckless driving will not be released until the owner pays a penalty of N500,000.
“The student found culpable will face additional disciplinary sanctions in line with the institution’s regulations,” Ugwu stated.
To ensure effective implementation, Ugwu directed all deans, directors and heads of departments to sensitise final-year students before they conclude their examinations.
He added that the university’s Chief Security Officer, in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies, had been instructed to enforce the directive and maintain order across the campus.
“The institution’s chief security officer and other law enforcement agencies are mandated to be vigilant and ensure that law and order are maintained throughout the university premises.
“Members of the university community are enjoined to be guided accordingly and comply fully with the directive.
“The university remains resolute to enforce the ban, in ensuring the safety of lives and property on campus.”
