The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Oyo State marked Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day with an inter-school quiz competition aimed at promoting road safety awareness among students.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The event, held in Ibadan on Wednesday, brought together secondary school students from across the state to test their knowledge on road safety rules, national history, and civic responsibilities.

According to the Oyo State FRSC Sector Commander, Joshua Adekanye, the competition was designed to celebrate the nation’s independence while also educating young people about the importance of safety on Nigerian roads. He said students are future drivers and leaders, and investing in their knowledge would help reduce accidents.

“This quiz is not only about celebrating Nigeria’s independence but also about preparing the younger generation to become responsible road users,” Adekanye said. “We believe early education on road safety can save lives and build a culture of responsibility.”

At the end of the competition, Government College Ibadan emerged as the overall winner, while Queen’s School Ibadan and Loyola College took second and third place respectively. Winners received trophies, books, and certificates of recognition.

Teachers and parents at the event praised the FRSC for combining national celebration with education. Mrs. Grace Adepoju, a teacher at Queen’s School, said the quiz encouraged students to take pride in the country’s independence while also learning vital lessons about road use.

“This program is a good way to remind students that they have a role in building a safer Nigeria,” she said.

Some students also expressed excitement about the event. Fifteen-year-old Ayomide Oladipo, who participated in the quiz, said it made her more aware of how simple actions, like crossing the road properly, can prevent accidents.

“I learned that safety is everyone’s duty, even as students,” she said.

The FRSC has been working to involve young people in its campaigns, including road safety clubs in schools and community outreach. Officials say young people are key to changing driving culture in Nigeria, where road crashes remain a major cause of injury and death.

According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of road traffic deaths in Africa. Experts say that educating children early can help reduce careless behavior on the roads when they grow older.

Adekanye said the corps will continue to organize educational programs in schools across Oyo State as part of its strategy to improve safety and support national development.

“We want our students to see independence not only as a celebration of freedom but also as a responsibility to their community,” he said.

The quiz competition ended with a call for more collaboration between schools, parents, and safety agencies to ensure that young people are empowered with the knowledge to protect themselves and others.

The FRSC said it plans to expand the competition to other parts of the state next year and include debates and creative presentations on national values and safety.

Nigeria celebrated its 65th Independence Day on Oct. 1, 2025. Across the country, different groups marked the day with parades, cultural events, and educational programs. In Oyo State, the FRSC’s school quiz stood out as a unique way of linking patriotism with safety education.

The event ended with cheers from students, who waved the national flag and sang the national anthem, blending celebration with a renewed call for responsibility on the roads.