The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Workbridge Empowerment Foundation, Abuja, to train, certify and facilitate sustainable employment opportunities for women as professional drivers across Nigeria.
The MoU, signed on monday at the Institute’s headquarters, is being implemented in partnership with the Women Drive Nigeria Initiative (WDNI).
Under the arrangement, NITT will provide professional driver training and certification, while Workbridge Empowerment Foundation will mobilise participants for the programme.
Over one hundred women have already registered for the pilot phase of the initiative.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Director-General/Chief Executive of NITT, Dr. Bayero Salih Farah, described the partnership as a significant step towards bridging the gender gap in the transport sector by empowering women with professional driving skills and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Dr. Farah noted that the role of a professional driver extends beyond operating a vehicle, stressing that drivers should also possess the knowledge and competence to effectively manage road incidents.
The Team Leader of Workbridge Empowerment Foundation, Mr. Abdullahi Umar, signed the agreement on behalf of the Foundation, while the Director-General/Chief Executive signed on behalf of NITT, assisted by the Registrar of the Institute, Dr. Maina W. A. Tarfa.
Earlier, the Director of the Transport Technology Centre (TTC), Dr. Joshua Odeleye, delivered the introductory remarks, highlighting the importance of the partnership.
Also present at the ceremony were the Director, Transport Research and Intelligence Department, Dr. Baba Ibrahim Mundi, and the Head of Legal Services, Barr. Davies Job, among other officials.
The partnership further underscores NITT’s commitment to developing a highly skilled and safety-conscious driving workforce through world-class driver training, certification and capacity-building programmes.