By Nkechi Eze
In a bold step to enhance the mental resilience and professional effectiveness of its workforce, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has formalized a strategic partnership with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs through Rashtriya Raksha University, India’s pioneering National Security and Police University. This landmark collaboration will see 1,000 personnel of the Corps undergo an intensive training programme in stress management and emotional wellbeing beginning in August 2025.
The agreement, finalized following high-level discussions between both institutions, marks the beginning of a result-driven capacity-building initiative that places the wellbeing of FRSC staff at the centre of its operational strategy. The initiative is a key component of Corps Marshal Dauda Ali Biu’s vision for a modern, motivated and psychologically resilient workforce, as the Corps continues to deliver on its mandate of ensuring safety on Nigeria’s roads.
According to an official statement signed by Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, Corps Public Education Officer, the programme is designed to increase awareness of both occupational and personal stress and its implications on the physical and mental health of FRSC personnel. The training aims to equip officers with practical tools for managing stress, strengthening emotional resilience, and fostering a supportive internal culture where mental health is prioritized.
Speaking on the partnership, the Corps Marshal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive personnel development. “Our personnel operate under immense pressure every day to keep Nigerian roads safe. By investing in their mental and emotional health, we are strengthening our capacity to serve the nation with professionalism, empathy, and excellence,” he said.
He further explained that the programme will draw from the globally respected expertise of Indian professionals in stress reduction, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence. “The training program will leverage the world-renowned expertise of Indian professionals in stress reduction, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence, combining modern scientific approaches with time-tested wellness practices. Participants will gain practical tools to manage stress, improve decision-making in critical situations, and promote a culture of mental health awareness within the Corps,” he added.
Facilitators for the programme will include clinical psychologists, research officers, and administrative experts from Rashtriya Raksha University. The training is expected to help FRSC personnel better identify personal stress triggers, enhance emotional regulation, foster peer support, and promote a psychologically safe work environment. Additionally, it is anticipated that the programme will bolster participants’ crisis response skills and build a stronger sense of community within the Corps.
To maximize participation and impact, the programme will be delivered in phases across four designated locations in Nigeria. These include the FRSC Academy in Udi, Enugu State, and the Marshal Inspectorate Training School in Owo-Alero, among others, with a mix of physical and virtual learning sessions planned to accommodate the schedules of participants nationwide.
This groundbreaking capacity development initiative stems from an ongoing institutional relationship between FRSC and Rashtriya Raksha University, which began in March 2025 with the training of selected personnel in Gujarat, India. As a continuation of that exchange, ten FRSC personnel are already finalizing preparations to commence postgraduate studies at the university in August 2025. The officers will pursue Master’s degrees in fields such as Information Technology, Cyber Security, Data Management, and Traffic Enforcement courses that are directly aligned with modern traffic administration and digital governance.
The partnership underscores a shared commitment by Nigeria and India to develop resilient institutions capable of delivering high-quality public service. By prioritizing the psychological welfare of its staff, the FRSC is sending a clear message that the health and mental preparedness of personnel are critical to achieving sustainable road safety outcomes. Beyond individual development, the programme is poised to contribute to safer roads and healthier communities across Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation.
