Ondo to shut illegal driving schools

By Saheed Ibrahim
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The Ondo state government has declared that all unlicensed driving schools in the state would be closed down.

While making the declaration at the meeting between the  state Ministry of Transport and the Proprietors of Driving schools in the state yesterday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Tobi Ogunleye noted that the state government is poised to ensure that carnages on roads across the state are put an end.  He directed the Vehicle Inspection  Officers (VIO) to close down the illegal schools with immediate effect.

“All unlicensed driving schools in Ondo state will be shut down. Any driving school that is not licenced by  the state government will be closed down. And every time, we want to see your updates, either monthly updates about your activities. We need to know if people are passing through your schools or not,” he said.

Ogunleye also ordered the VIO to stop all vehicles with the illegal driving learning symbol and permit, adding that learners should obtain the permit through the right channel.

 “I want you to double your effort . All vehicles with the learner’s symbol “L” should be stopped henceforth irrespective of the owners of the vehicles.

He noted that a large number of driving license holders in the state did not pass through the proper procedure and he admonished the driving school owners to work with the ministry in order to enhance their trade and ensure safety on roads.

 That is why we have a lot of carnages and crashes on our roads because those who are not qualified to drive are driving today. You are the tutors. You are the teachers. You are the instructors. Until we enhance your work, that is when people will acknowledge your importance,” he said.

He also disclosed that a seminar would be organised for proprietors of driving schools  in the  South West  in order to cultivate a relationship with them and enhance their capabilities. He also advised them  that to update their equipment and facilities as well as ensure they update their licences.

The State Director, Vehicle Inspection Officers, Engineer Adeleye Alaba gave the assurance that the closure of  illegal driving schools within the state would take effect immediately and would be done within a week, adding that the use of llegal “L” as a learner permit for driving learners would also stop.

The Chairman, Proprietors of Driving Schools in Ondo state, Mr Olaniyi Michael and the Secretary to the Association, Mr Oladunni Martins appreciated the Akeredolu-led administration for its effort to ensure that roads across the state are free of  accidents and untimely death of road users  and also used the forum to highlight some of the issues facing the association.