NITT, Foundation Join Forces to Empower Women Behind the Wheel
The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) has teamed up with the Workbridge Empowerment Foundation to train and certify women as professional drivers, opening new career pathways in Nigeria’s transport and logistics industry.
The partnership, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Zaria, will drive the Women Drive Nigeria Initiative (WDNI), a programme aimed at increasing female participation in a sector that has long been dominated by men.
The initiative has already attracted more than 100 women for its pilot phase. Participants will receive professional driver training, safety education and industry-recognised certification to prepare them for employment in commercial transportation and logistics.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NITT Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Bayero Salih Farah, described the collaboration as a major step toward promoting gender inclusion while addressing the growing demand for skilled drivers.
He stressed that professional driving goes beyond operating a vehicle, noting that the programme will expose participants to road safety practices, defensive driving techniques, emergency response and the ethical standards required in the profession.
Under the agreement, NITT will provide technical training and certification, while the Workbridge Empowerment Foundation will recruit participants, coordinate outreach and support the women throughout the programme.
Workbridge Empowerment Foundation Team Leader, Abdullahi Umar, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding economic opportunities for women through practical, employable skills.
Also speaking, Director of NITT’s Transport Technology Centre, Dr. Joshua Odeleye, said the programme is expected to strengthen workforce development, improve road safety and encourage more women to pursue careers in transportation.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by NITT Registrar, Dr. Maina W. A. Tarfa, alongside other senior officials of the institute.
The initiative forms part of NITT’s broader efforts to modernise Nigeria’s transport sector through professional training, capacity building and partnerships that promote safety, innovation and inclusive participation.
