The apprehension of two skaters at the University of Ibadan (UI), by Professor J. A. O. Woods of the Department of Chemistry, is generating controversies on social media, Twitter and Facebook, to be specific.
Following the trending video on Twitter, most Twitter users have condemned the apprehension of the skaters who were trying to keep fit through sporting activities.
However, in a swift reaction, the authority of the nation’s Premier University noted that the professor has acted responsibly and in good faith, saying that skating and learning to drive on campus are prohibited.
A statement signed by the institution’s Registrar, Olubunmi O. Faluyi, noted, “the attention of the University Management has been drawn to a video trending on the Internet.”
The statement reads, “The fact of the situation was that Professor J. A. O. Woods, a distinguished professor of Chemistry and the immediate past Focal Officer of SERVICOM on the campus saw the lady and another male skating along Oduduwa Road, the busiest Road on campus. It is important to state that Skating on major roads on campus is illegal, in the same vein that learner drivers are prohibited.
“Professor Woods stopped the skaters and requested that they should be taken to the Campus Security office. At no time did he rough-handle the lady. Posting the video on Social media was a pure act of mischief.
“In general, skating on major roads is illegal and unsafe. Worldwide it is only allowed on walkways and designated parks and not on highways.
“The actions taken by the Professor were to protect the lives of the skaters and other road users.
“Management, therefore, condemns the way the story is being posted on Social Media and unkind comments made.
“Management seizes this opportunity to reiterate that it is illegal to skate on major roads within the campus. Learner drivers are also not allowed on the major roads within the University campus during peak periods.”
Reacting to the school position, Michael Oluwatobi Adetoba, on Facebook noted, “The video that we saw. …The best thing the professor ought to do is caution her and tell her that the road is busy, next time, don’t pass through this busy road. If the girl was not calm and was rude, the write-up would have changed. It’s well.”
Also, Adeola Adeniyi said, “Were residents living on campus informed before the incident? If skating is prohibited on campus, then there should have been a code (road code) across the major roads on campus prohibiting skating. The lady in question was not aware. Now that we know, there should be an official press release or bulletin and even road code on all the major roads on campus to that effect.”
