By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Centre for Human Resource Development (CHRD), in partnership with the Auto Clinic Centre, Abuja, held a virtual flag-off ceremony for a Certificate Course in Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Auto-Diagnostics (ADs).
The ceremony was officially opened by the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and Chairman of the Vice Chancellor's Committee on Certificate Courses, Professor Isaac Sammani Rabo Butswat.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor expressed his appreciation to the Auto Clinic Centre for their commitment to the launch of the certificate course. He encouraged learners to actively participate in the program.
The Special Guest of Honor, Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Alhaji Ahmed Musa Omaye, described NOUN's efforts as a significant step in public-private partnerships aimed at supporting technological innovation and addressing the issue of quackery in Nigeria.
He assured the audience of the ministry’s intent to monitor the progress of the training and urged learners to seize the opportunity to enhance their skills, aiming to improve the automobile and transportation sectors in Nigeria.
The Keynote Speaker, Professor Samuel Gbadebo Odewumi, Special Adviser to the National Universities Commission (NUC) on CNG and Electric Vehicles and a member of the Governing Council of the University of Transportation, Daura, highlighted both the challenges and opportunities within the EV industry.
He commended the Vice Chancellor of NOUN for his foresight and advocacy for public-private partnerships. Professor Odewumi emphasized that capacity-building initiatives, like the certificate course on EVs, are essential for the effective deployment and diagnostics of electric vehicles in Nigeria.
While noting the challenges faced by the EV industry, he stressed that the collaboration between NOUN and the Auto Clinic Centre is a vital step towards addressing the shortage of skilled EV technicians. He also committed to ensuring that students from Lagos State University’s School of Transport and Logistics complete the course before graduation.
The CEO of Auto Clinic Centre, Mr. Nathaniel Okwesiri, who joined the ceremony from Vienna, Austria, alongside auto expert Mr. Robert Popiel, expressed his gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, NOUN, and its staff for their dedication to the Certificate in EVs and ADs.
Mr. Okwesiri raised concerns about the consequences of unqualified automobile technicians in Nigeria, likening their impact to that of malpractice in the medical profession, but without equivalent accountability. He affirmed the Auto Clinic Centre’s commitment to sustaining the course for the long term.
Professor Aminu Umar, Director of the CHRD, traced the flag-off back to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September 2023 by the Vice Chancellor and three private organizations. This collaboration aims to promote practical-oriented knowledge and skills to combat quackery and enable individuals to unlock their potential in tackling 21st-century challenges.
The three-month certificate course, which includes a one-week internship, is one of eight programs proposed by the Auto Clinic Centre as part of its partnership with NOUN.
The launch is significant, showcasing NOUN's dedication to community development and providing opportunities for individuals to acquire essential skills for personal and societal advancement.
The Certificate in Electric Vehicles and Auto-Diagnostics represents a critical step in addressing the challenges of quackery in Nigeria's automobile industry.
"The collaboration between NOUN and the Auto Clinic Centre underscores the power of public-private partnerships in fostering technological innovation and meeting the needs of the industry."
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