The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with five tertiary institutions to enhance Nigeria’s railway technology capacity through localised training, skill development, and technology transfer.
Signed in Lagos, the partnership involves Yaba College of Technology, Kwara State Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kaduna Polytechnic, and Trinity University, Lagos. It is aimed at providing hands-on learning, advancing staff career growth, and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on foreign training in the rail sector.
The Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, described the collaboration as a critical step toward bridging knowledge gaps and establishing a lasting foundation for rail technology development in the country. He explained that the initiative would allow NRC employees to gain new certifications, helping them overcome career stagnation caused by limited educational qualifications.
“This opportunity will enable some of our staff to get diplomas and degrees in rail technology, administration, or management, thus advancing beyond level six in the system,” he said.
The programme will focus on areas such as digital rail systems, track engineering, locomotive operations, and logistics management. Opeifa emphasised the mutual benefits of the agreement, noting that retired railway workers could serve as guest lecturers in partner institutions, while students and researchers could access NRC facilities for practical learning.
Although he acknowledged that some foreign training may still be necessary, Opeifa said the initiative would significantly cut costs by providing in-country alternatives. “If knowledge is in China, go and look for it. But with this MoU, we can now offer much of that knowledge locally,” he said.
Leaders of participating institutions welcomed the partnership. The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Offa, Dr. Kadir Oluwatoyin, called it a bold and timely move aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He stressed the benefits of internships, sabbaticals, and hands-on experience for staff and students, reducing the need for costly overseas training.
Also speaking, the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Dr. Abdul Mohammed, said the agreement would help train a new generation of railway professionals, lessen the country’s dependence on foreign expertise, and create employment for young Nigerians in both local and global markets.
The initiative signals a strategic shift toward building homegrown capacity in Nigeria’s rail sector and opening new opportunities for technical education, career advancement, and sustainable growth.
