The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called for innovative, competency-based driver education to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities in Nigeria.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed made the call on Friday at the 2026 Annual Mandatory Training Workshop for Driving School Proprietors and Instructors in Kaduna.

Mohammed, represented by Zonal Commanding Officer Kaduna, ACM Abdullahi Sanusi, said unsafe driver behaviour, inadequate training, poor understanding of traffic regulations, and weak driving culture remained major causes of crashes nationwide.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop is themed: “Professional Driver Education Using Innovative Training Models to Improve Road Safety and Reduce Fatalities in Nigeria.”

According to him, driving schools play a strategic role in preparing motorists before they enter the nation’s road transport system.

“The safety of our roads begins with the quality of training drivers receive at the driving school level.

“The FRSC introduced the Driving School Standardisation Programme (DSSP) to ensure driving schools operate in line with approved standards and global best practices,” the cops marshal said.

He noted that the programme had strengthened regulation of driving schools, improved training curricula, promoted professionalism among instructors, and enhanced the credibility of driver licensing.

Mohammed added that advances in vehicle technology and the growing complexity of road systems demand continuous innovation in driver education.

The corps marshal said the workshop was designed to improve technical and instructional competence, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote competency-based training.

He also described driving schools as key economic enterprises that generate employment, build skills, and contribute to national growth.

Mohammed reaffirmed the FRSC’s commitment to collaborating with state governments, the private sector, and development partners to advance national road safety goals.

“Nigeria’s road network remains critical for moving people, agricultural produce, petroleum products, industrial goods, and security personnel.

“A well-trained and responsible driving population contributes not only to safer roads but also to greater economic productivity and a more secure transport environment,” he said.

In his address, Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, represented by the Director of Mechanical Services, Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, Paul Kagoro, described road safety as a matter of critical national importance.

Sani said effective driver education remained one of the most important pillars of road safety management because drivers were the most active participants in the transport system.

He commended the FRSC for strengthening the DSSP and promoting professionalism in driver education nationwide.

The governor said the workshop theme reflects a forward-looking approach that emphasises innovation, competency-based instruction, and sustainable management models for driving schools.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve transportation safety and mobility.

Sani urged participants to adopt innovative approaches that would raise driver training standards and help reduce crashes nationwide.

Earlier, Deputy Corps Marshal (Training), Abiodun Akinlade, represented by ACM Stella Numan, Institution and Coordination, said the workshop was organised to strengthen the capacity of driving school proprietors and instructors.

Akinlade said the programme would expose participants to modern, competency-based approaches to driver education, covering driving school administration, practical instruction techniques, sustainable enterprise models, and emerging innovations.

“Driving schools remain the foundation upon which driver competence and road safety culture are built.

“You are custodians of road safety culture and critical partners in the national effort to reduce road traffic crashes and save lives,” he told participants.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop is part of the FRSC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen professional driver education and improve road safety outcomes across Nigeria.