Back to: Jss1 Social Studies (NVE)

Introduction

In Nigeria, Road Safety Clubs are established in primary schools, secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and the National Youth Service Corps (which is a mandatory one-year service program after completing university education). The purpose of the Road Safety Clubs is to encourage young people to adopt a culture of road safety from a young age and to apply this in their school activities. This helps instil good road safety habits and attitudes early on, which can ultimately lead to safer road use and reduced incidents of road traffic accidents.

History of Road Safety Club

The history of the road safety club in Nigeria can be traced back to 1988 when the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was established by the federal government. The FRSC is a government agency responsible for ensuring road safety in Nigeria.

In 1990, the FRSC launched the Road Safety Club Program (RSCP) to create awareness among young people about road safety. The RSCP is an educational program aimed at educating students about the dangers of road accidents and how to prevent them.

The program was initially launched in primary and secondary schools in Nigeria and has since expanded to universities and other educational institutions. The Road Safety Club program is a platform for young people to learn about road safety through various activities such as lectures, seminars, road safety campaigns, and field trips.

The FRSC also provides training for teachers and coordinators who manage the road safety clubs. The clubs are run by students and aim to promote road safety in their respective schools and communities.

The road safety club program has been successful in raising awareness about road safety in Nigeria. It has also helped to reduce the number of road accidents and deaths on Nigerian roads. The program continues to grow and expand, and it has become an important aspect of road safety education in Nigeria.

The primary objective of the Road Safety Club is to educate and train students on the importance of following road safety rules and regulations. The aim is to instil safe driving habits and attitudes in young people and to promote road safety awareness and compliance. By doing so, the hope is to reduce the number of road traffic accidents and incidents and ensure safer road use for all.

Forming Road Safety Club

1. The school sends a written request to the Federal Road Safety Commission to establish a Road Safety Club.
2. The Federal Road Safety Commission visits the school to provide guidance and support in setting up the club.
3. The commission provides the necessary instructions and guidance to the school authorities, who will assist in organizing and managing the students involved in the club.
4. The commission sets a date for the official inauguration of the Road Safety Club at the school.
5. The students involved in the club elect key leadership positions, such as the president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, etc.
6. The Road Safety Coordinator, appointed by the Federal Road Safety Commission, leads and oversees the activities of the club within the school.
7. The club members actively participate in programs and events organized by the Federal Road Safety Commission for schools in their respective regions. These events provide opportunities for the students to learn about road safety, develop their skills, and engage with other road safety clubs and organizations.

Importance of Road Safety Club in School

These programs and events provide opportunities for club members from different schools to interact and socialize with one another in a relaxed and informal setting. This not only helps to foster positive relationships between students but also enables them to learn from one another and exchange ideas and experiences related to road safety. The social interaction also provides a supportive network for the students and helps to create a sense of community among those who are committed to promoting road safety and reducing road traffic accidents.

1. The programs and events provide a supportive and friendly environment for club members to interact and socialize, fostering positive relationships and a sense of community among members.
2. By participating in the club, students can develop good moral values and habits related to road safety, promoting responsible and safe road use.
3. The club provides opportunities for students to learn about road safety rules and regulations, helping to increase their knowledge and awareness about safe road practices.
4. Club members also have the chance to be exposed to paramilitary training, further enhancing their skills and knowledge about road safety and emergency response.
5. The Road Safety Club also provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, encouraging them to become responsible leaders in promoting road safety in their communities.
6. Members are also encouraged to report any road traffic accidents or incidents to the nearest Federal Road Safety Commission office or relevant authorities, ensuring that proper assistance is provided in a timely manner. This helps to raise awareness about road safety issues and to promote a proactive approach to reducing road traffic accidents.

Roles of the Road Safety Clubs in the Socialisation of Youth

1. The aim is to instil a strong sense of safety in the minds of young people, emphasizing the importance of responsible road use and reducing the risk of accidents.
2. The club seeks to encourage young people to become better road users by exposing them to the practical and technical aspects of road safety, helping them to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of safe road use.
3. The club is also aimed at promoting good road safety practices within schools, helping to create a safer and more aware community of young road users.
4. By providing advanced road safety education, the club aims to reduce the number of accidents involving school children, particularly those that result from poor road safety practices.
5. The club also aims to inform students about career opportunities related to road safety, such as road engineering and construction, road safety officers, and other relevant fields.
6. The club seeks to engage young people as advocates for road safety, encouraging them to promote safe road practices within their families, communities, and beyond. By fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment among young people, the club aims to contribute to a safer and more aware road-using population.