By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters, has launched a virtual ceremony for Course 2 of the certificate programme in Electric Vehicle and Auto Diagnostics, in partnership with Auto Clinic Center.
He said the programme will address unemployment and enhance Nigeria’s economy through public-private partnerships, particularly in the emerging field of electric vehicles.
Represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Technology Innovation and Research, Prof. Christine Ofulue, he commended the innovative efforts of the Center and expressed gratitude to the partners and participants.
“This virtual flag-off of Course 2 of the Certificate in Electric Vehicles and Auto Diagnostics, facilitated by the Centre for Human Resource Development (CHRD) of the university, is a collaboration between NOUN and the Auto Clinic Center, Abuja.
Delivering a goodwill message, the registrar of the National Open University of Nigeria, Mr Oladipo Ajayi, expresses gratitude for the contributions and reiterates the significance of the programme in preparing individuals for the future of e-mobility.
He assured participants of the quality of instruction and highlighted the importance of the internship component, which will be arranged in collaboration with auto industries.
He highlighted the university’s commitment to promoting skill-based education aligned with national and global needs.
The CEO of Auto Clinic Center, Nathaniel Okwesiri, joined from Austria to express gratitude for the opportunity and emphasised the need to create professional mechanics through a combination of graduate and non-graduate training.
Professor Shehu Usman Adamu, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration and Chairman of the Vice Chancellor’s Committee on Certificate Courses, emphasised the importance of the Auto Clinic Training Initiative in preparing technicians for the emerging world of electric vehicles, aligning with Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable mobility.
He highlighted the partnership between the National Open University and stakeholders to build a strong national capacity for electric vehicle repair and innovation, urging trainees to take the opportunity seriously and lead the future of mobility in Nigeria.
The keynote speaker, who joined from the COP 30 summit in Brazil,
Prince Mustapha Mona Audu, CEO of Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), delivered a speech emphasising the future of electric vehicles (EVs) in Nigeria and Africa.
He highlighted the potential for Nigeria to become a leader in electric mobility, leveraging its large market and the continent’s need for sustainable transportation.
Prince Audu discussed the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of EV maintenance compared to internal combustion engine vehicles and emphasised the importance of training young people in EV technology.
He expressed confidence in the partnership with the National Open University to create leaders in EV technology and innovation across Africa.
He also announced the donations of two electric vehicles, including a two-wheeler and a three-wheeler, to the National Open University, along with developing charging infrastructure across six geopolitical zones.
Professor Isaac Sammani Rabo Butswat and Engineer Mohammed Chubado Tahir, in their goodwill messages, emphasise the importance of electric vehicle technology and the need for skilled maintenance personnel.
In his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Human Resource Development (CHRD), Professor Aminu Umar, said that the course seeks to actualise the vision of the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Peters, in mitigating quackery and upholding practical knowledge towards building a robust economy that addresses human needs and aligns with global sustainable environmental concerns for the benefit of humanity.
The event also announced upcoming programmes in procurement management and professional childcare, with the goal of fostering partnerships and addressing societal needs.
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