The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has reminded school heads to put student safety first as learners prepare to return for third term.
In a notice issued this week, NTSA directed school managers and bus owners to strictly follow safety rules for all vehicles used in transporting children.
The authority said only roadworthy vehicles should be used, and drivers must be properly qualified and closely monitored.
The guidelines also require every school bus to have working seatbelts and functional speed limiters. School managers were further cautioned against allowing drivers or conductors to report to work while under the influence of alcohol.
In addition, NTSA stressed that buses should stick to certified routes when ferrying learners.
The directive follows a recent spot check conducted on August 15, where NTSA inspectors uncovered worrying safety lapses in some school vehicles.
The inspection revealed buses with faulty or expired speed limiters, some of which were not transmitting data to the NTSA safety system.
Others had worn-out interiors broken seats, torn cushions, faulty seat belts, shaky anchoring, and missing anti-roll bars.
Inspectors also flagged poor exteriors, including rusted chassis, damaged bodywork, and worn steering and suspension parts.
In its broader findings, NTSA reported that more than 315,000 public service and commercial vehicles across the country are currently operating without valid inspection certificates.
Owners of these vehicles have been ordered to take corrective action immediately.
“The safety of our children is non-negotiable. Schools and transport operators must take responsibility and comply fully with these measures,” NTSA said in its statement.
