NRC signs MoU with five institutions to boost railway technology training
…YABATECH, Trinity University, others to partner on skills training and technology transfer
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with five tertiary institutions to enhance technical capacity and foster skill development in railway engineering and operations across the country.
The agreement, signed on Monday in Lagos, aims to deepen collaboration between the railway sector and academia through training, technology transfer, and workforce development.
The participating institutions include Yaba College of Technology, Lagos; Kwara State Polytechnic; Federal Polytechnic, Offa; Kaduna Polytechnic; and Trinity University, Lagos.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Managing Director of NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, said the initiative is designed to build a sustainable talent pipeline for the railway industry while offering academic and professional advancement to NRC personnel, especially those limited by educational qualifications.
Dr Opeifa explained that the programme will facilitate access to diploma and degree-level qualifications in railway-related disciplines for both students and NRC staff. Areas of focus will include digital technology, track engineering, locomotive systems, logistics engineering, and railway management.
Describing the MoU as a strategic national investment, he noted that the agreement would allow NRC retirees to serve as guest lecturers while enabling students and academic staff to gain practical experience using NRC equipment and infrastructure.
He added that although foreign training will not be entirely phased out, the collaboration will significantly reduce the need for overseas instruction in basic railway technologies, cutting costs and boosting local expertise.
Dr Kadir Oluwatoyin, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, described the partnership as consistent with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He expressed confidence that the collaboration will offer students real-world training opportunities and structured internships.
Echoing this sentiment, the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Dr Abdul Mohammed, said the initiative is a significant step towards equipping the younger generation with essential railway engineering skills while reducing dependency on foreign professionals.
He further noted that the agreement is expected to create employment opportunities for Nigerian youths and prepare them for technical roles both within and outside the country.