Nigeria’s efforts to build local capacity in railway technology and administration received a major boost as the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with five tertiary institutions on technology transfer and specialised training.

The new partners — Yaba College of Technology, Lagos; Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin; Federal Polytechnic, Offa; Kaduna State Polytechnic; and Trinity University, Lagos — join earlier institutions already offering railway-related programmes, including the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria; Railway Technical Training School, Ebute-Metta; Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye; and the Transportation University, Daura.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting it aligns with the federal government’s heavy investments in modernising Nigeria’s railway infrastructure. Managing Director of First Rit Nigeria Limited, Mr. Eric Umezurike, said the partnership would allow NRC staff who joined with only secondary school certificates to pursue further qualifications, helping them secure promotions before retirement.

Transport expert Mr. John Obot also stressed the importance of capacity building, especially since the NRC has been moved from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List, paving the way for state governments to invest in rail projects. He added that without skilled manpower, such investments would be unsustainable.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, described the MoU as a “win-win” initiative aimed at skill acquisition, dissemination, and utilisation. He said it would give staff opportunities to earn diplomas and degrees in rail technology, administration, and management, while also granting students access to NRC facilities for hands-on training.

“It will stop promotion stagnation and open up career progression. Retired NRC staff could become guest lecturers, and our expertise in areas like digital technology, locomotive engineering, and logistics can now be better shared,” Opeifa said. He added that while the MoU may not eliminate foreign training, it would significantly expand local options.

Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Dr. Kadir Oluwatoyin, hailed the partnership as a bold step toward President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting its potential to foster internships, sabbaticals, and hands-on experience. Kwara State Polytechnic Rector, Dr. Abdul Mohammed, added that the programme would produce skilled manpower for the sector, reduce reliance on expatriates, create jobs for youths, and open opportunities both locally and internationally.

The collaboration is expected to produce a new generation of railway professionals, strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to sustain and expand its modern rail network.

Nigeria’s efforts to build local capacity in railway technology and administration received a major boost as the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with five tertiary institutions on technology transfer and specialised training.

The new partners — Yaba College of Technology, Lagos; Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin; Federal Polytechnic, Offa; Kaduna State Polytechnic; and Trinity University, Lagos — join earlier institutions already offering railway-related programmes, including the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria; Railway Technical Training School, Ebute-Metta; Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye; and the Transportation University, Daura.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting it aligns with the federal government’s heavy investments in modernising Nigeria’s railway infrastructure. Managing Director of First Rit Nigeria Limited, Mr. Eric Umezurike, said the partnership would allow NRC staff who joined with only secondary school certificates to pursue further qualifications, helping them secure promotions before retirement.

Transport expert Mr. John Obot also stressed the importance of capacity building, especially since the NRC has been moved from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List, paving the way for state governments to invest in rail projects. He added that without skilled manpower, such investments would be unsustainable.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, described the MoU as a “win-win” initiative aimed at skill acquisition, dissemination, and utilisation. He said it would give staff opportunities to earn diplomas and degrees in rail technology, administration, and management, while also granting students access to NRC facilities for hands-on training.

“It will stop promotion stagnation and open up career progression. Retired NRC staff could become guest lecturers, and our expertise in areas like digital technology, locomotive engineering, and logistics can now be better shared,” Opeifa said. He added that while the MoU may not eliminate foreign training, it would significantly expand local options.

Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Dr. Kadir Oluwatoyin, hailed the partnership as a bold step toward President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting its potential to foster internships, sabbaticals, and hands-on experience. Kwara State Polytechnic Rector, Dr. Abdul Mohammed, added that the programme would produce skilled manpower for the sector, reduce reliance on expatriates, create jobs for youths, and open opportunities both locally and internationally.

The collaboration is expected to produce a new generation of railway professionals, strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to sustain and expand its modern rail network.