Road Safety Expert Faults Claims Of Poor Curriculum Compliance In Driving Schools

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos

A road safety expert and founder of Leap Driving Academy, Mr. Ojo Balogun, has faulted recent claims suggesting that no driving school in Nigeria currently delivers up to 50 per cent of the approved driver education curriculum.

Balogun described the assertion, published on January 5, 2026, by a fellow road safety advocate, as a sweeping generalisation lacking supporting data, citations or verifiable evidence. He noted that while the publication highlighted some genuine challenges within Nigeria’s driver education and licensing system, it was inaccurate to portray all driving schools as non-compliant or ineffective.

According to him, broad claims of this nature risk undermining institutions that are making deliberate investments in quality training, structured instruction and accountability.

“At Leap Driving Academy, driver education goes beyond minimum regulatory requirements,” Balogun said. “Our training framework is ISO-certified and informed by American driving education standards, carefully adapted to Nigerian road conditions. Instruction is competence-based, combining rigorous theory with structured practical sessions, with learners trained to mastery rather than rushed for convenience or commercial pressure.”

He reiterated his support for stronger regulatory oversight, improved computer-based testing (CBT) infrastructure and decisive action against corruption in the licensing process.

However, he stressed that reforms in the sector must be evidence-driven and collaborative, rather than based on unsubstantiated claims that could erode public confidence in genuine road safety initiatives.

“Nigeria’s road safety crisis demands urgency, integrity and accountability from regulators, operators and commentators alike. Accuracy in public discourse is not optional; it is essential,” he said.

Balogun’s response follows remarks by another road safety expert, who had claimed in the publication that, based on his experience as a former National President of the Driving School Association for seven years, no driving school in Nigeria currently teaches up to half of the approved curriculum.

The expert also cited challenges such as resistance to theory classes by some learner drivers, pressure to complete training within a week, and cases where trainees already possessed licences allegedly obtained through corrupt means.

The differing views have reignited debate on the standards, regulation and reform of driver education in Nigeria.