FRSC seeks TETFund support for road safety training institutions

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to extend support to its training institutions to enhance the capacity and professionalism of road safety personnel across Nigeria.

FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed made the appeal on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to Sonny Echono, the executive secretary of TETFund, in Abuja.

Mohammed commended TETFund’s intervention projects in tertiary institutions nationwide and stressed the need for collaboration to reduce road traffic crashes and achieve a zero-casualty rate.

“We have academic institutions, and these institutions were designated in 2023 by an Act to be self-funded outside the budget of road safety,” he said.

“But today, we are not able to access the funding of those institutions. So, it’s an opportunity for us to come to TETFund, to appreciate its work, and to explore ways of securing infrastructure and funding support.

“This will enable us to continue reducing road crashes and ensure safer mobility for all Nigerians.”

The corps marshal outlined the FRSC’s target of cutting road crashes by 50 per cent while achieving zero fatalities.

He emphasised the role of technology, research, and continuous personnel training in meeting this goal.

Responding, Echono expressed TETFund’s willingness to collaborate with FRSC, particularly in road safety awareness and training initiatives within tertiary institutions and across the country.

He praised the digital transformation within the FRSC, noting that technology had improved road safety and contributed to a decline in accidents and fatalities.

“By embracing technology, you have been able to enhance visibility and effectiveness. The Federal Road Safety Corps has done a commendable job in this regard, and there has been a notable reduction in accident rates and consequential mortality,” he said.

Echono added that TETFund remains committed to collaborating with agencies that advance national development and is open to exploring partnerships with FRSC.

He noted that the corps could leverage TETFund’s reach to promote road safety awareness among millions of students.

He further stated that TETFund would provide support for FRSC-owned tertiary institutions that meet relevant certifications and collaborate with the organisation in research efforts aimed at improving road safety in Nigeria.

The FRSC operates at least four training institutions across Nigeria.

They include FRSC Command and Staff College operating from Udi in Enugu state, the FRSC Academy also in Udi, the FRSC Inspectorate Training Institution in Owa-Alero Delta state, and the FRSC Road Marshal Assistant Training School in Plateau state.