NTSA ISSUES SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR SCHOOLS AHEAD OF THIRD TERM REOPENING

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has released a safety checklist for schools as learners prepare to resume studies for the third term.

In a notice issued on Thursday, the authority directed school managers to ensure that only roadworthy vehicles and qualified drivers are used to transport students.

Administrators were also reminded to monitor driver behaviour, fit buses with functional seatbelts, and mount working speed limiters.

The NTSA cautioned that drivers and conductors should not report to duty under the influence of alcohol and stressed that buses must stick to certified routes.

The directive follows random inspections carried out on August 15 that uncovered widespread safety violations in school transport vehicles.

According to the NTSA, some buses lacked functioning speed limiters, while others were found with broken or expired devices that failed to transmit data to the national road safety system.

Inspectors also flagged poor interior conditions, including torn seats, shaky cushions, broken locks, and missing seatbelts. Other defects included faulty steering, weak suspensions, rusted chassis, and damaged exteriors.

The authority further revealed that over 315,000 public service and commercial vehicles are operating without valid inspection certificates. Owners have been instructed to take immediate corrective measures.

The move comes as schools prepare to reopen nationwide, with the NTSA insisting that strict compliance is necessary to guarantee the safety of children on the road.