By Abdullahi Alhassan Kaduna
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Centre for Human Resource Development (CHRD) has partnered with Auto Clinic Centre, Abuja, to introduce a Certificate Course in Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Auto-Diagnostics (ADs). This initiative aims to address the growing need for skilled auto technicians in Nigeria's automobile industry. The virtual flag-off ceremony was declared open by NOUN Vice Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, represented by Professor Isaac Sammani Rabo Butswat.
The Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali, represented by Alhaji Ahmed Musa Omaye, described the initiative as a significant step in public-private partnership, supporting technological innovation and tackling quackery in the industry. "The efforts of NOUN are a giant step in public-private partnership geared towards the support of technological innovation towards addressing the problems of quackery in Nigeria," Alhaji Ahmed Musa Omaye stated.
Keynote speaker Professor Samuel Gbadebo Odewumi highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the EV industry, emphasizing the need for capacity building on EVs and auto-diagnostics. He noted that the collaboration between NOUN and Auto Clinic Centre is one sure way of addressing the problems of limited technical expertise or lack of EV technicians.
The three-month course includes a one-week internship and covers essential topics such as car electrical systems, diagnostics systems, autotronics and electric vehicles, GPS and tracking systems, advanced driver assistance systems, and entrepreneurship skills. This comprehensive program is designed to equip participants with the technical and entrepreneurial skills required to thrive in the evolving automobile industry.
The Director of CHRD, Professor Aminu Umar, attributed the flag-off to the MoU signed by the VC in September 2023 with three private bodies. The collaboration between NOUN and Auto Clinic Centre is a testament to the power of public-private partnership in promoting technological innovation and addressing the needs of the industry.
The CEO of Auto Clinic Centre, Mr. Nathaniel Okwesiri, emphasized the need for skilled auto technicians, stating that bad automobile technicians or mechanics are killing people in Nigeria more than medical doctors, and no penalty is meted out to them, unlike the medical profession. The Auto Clinic Centre has proposed eight courses in its partnership with NOUN, with this certificate course being a significant step towards addressing quackery in the automobile industry.
Tags
Collection/ Mou