Prebunking Convocation-induced Traffic Issues

By Ukey Elizabeth and Obia Comfort Ogechi

Over the years, the long queue of vehicles entering and exiting the University campus during Convocation Week has been a cause of major concern for the participants and other road users. The constant influx of motorists and pedestrians alike, both inside and outside of the school’s campus, often results in major gridlock, even extending to major routes leading to the university like Bariga-Akoka Road, Abule Oja-Yaba Road, Iwaya-Oyingbo Road, amongst others.

The reason for this congestion can be largely attributed to the fact that graduating students, as well as their guardians, families, well-wishers, and the occasional bystanders, often tend to show up and show off in their numbers to celebrate the momentous milestone. This heavy footfall disrupts the usual traffic flow for personal and commercial vehicles, making them angered and tired.

Some congestion reduction measures must be considered to contain this situation and ensure control.

The key to surviving any traffic jam is to remain calm and obedient to traffic rules. The same applies to this situation. The fact that there’s a traffic jam is not a license to flout traffic rules by making extra lanes, driving on a one-way lane, running through traffic lights, or trying to drive on pedestrian walkways. Doing any of these would aggravate the situation and cause even more damage.
Listening to the traffic wardens, the school’s traffic control team, or any other authorities that may be deployed for that specific purpose is even more important. At that moment, they are the highest and most knowledgeable authority on the road, and their directions are as good as gold.
Although it may be slightly tempting to park in any available spot, try to park only in designated areas/zones as much as possible. These spots have been meticulously planned out and marked such that failure to adhere to them will constitute a nuisance that would cost extra time and effort to unravel.
As much as people love a good party with a large crowd, try by all means to restrict the crowd to whom is important. Excess crowds are hard to manage and would wear out the resources and manpower allocated, which leads to more issues at the ceremony. Where possible, stick to driving services that can drop off and pick off guests to reduce the number of vehicles hogging parking spaces.
Furthermore, remember to try alternative routes even though they might be farther or out of your way. They may prove to be better than fighting in a gridlock for hours.

No one wants a perfectly good and joyful day to get soiled with angst and distress over traffic; remember to be law-abiding motorists and have a wonderful ceremony.