NOUN, Auto Clinic Join Forces To Train Nigerians In EV Technology
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has launched Course 2 of its Certificate Program in Electric Vehicle and Auto Diagnostics, in partnership with the Auto Clinic Center, as part of efforts to empower Nigerians with practical skills for the emerging electric mobility industry.
Speaking during the virtual flag-off ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, said the initiative aims to tackle unemployment and strengthen Nigeria’s economy through public-private partnerships in the field of electric vehicles.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Technology, Innovation and Research, Professor Christine Ofulue, Professor Peters commended the innovative drive of the Auto Clinic Center and expressed appreciation to all 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), is a collaboration between NOUN and the Auto Clinic Center, Abuja,” she explained.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Registrar of NOUN, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, expressed gratitude for the initiative and reiterated the significance of the program in preparing individuals for the future of e-mobility.
He assured participants of high-quality training and emphasized the importance of the internship component, which will be organized in collaboration with automobile industries across the country.
The CEO of Auto Clinic Center, Mr. Nathaniel Okwesiri, who joined virtually from Austria, expressed appreciation for the opportunity, stressing that the collaboration would help create a new generation of professional mechanics and engineers through both graduate and non-graduate training programs.
Also speaking, Professor Shehu Usman Adamu, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and Chairman of the Vice Chancellor’s Committee on Certificate Courses, highlighted that the Auto Clinic Training Initiative is a key step in preparing technicians for Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable mobility.
He called on trainees to take the program seriously, noting that the partnership between NOUN and stakeholders will build strong national capacity for electric vehicle maintenance and innovation.
The keynote speaker and CEO of Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), Prince Mustapha Mona Audu, who joined the event from the COP 30 Summit in Brazil, said Nigeria and Africa are well-positioned to lead in electric mobility, given their growing population and need for sustainable transport solutions.
He emphasized the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of maintaining electric vehicles compared to fuel-powered ones and underscored the importance of training young Nigerians in EV technology.
Prince Audu also announced the donation of two electric vehicles—a two-wheeler and a three-wheeler—to NOUN, alongside plans to develop charging infrastructure across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
In their goodwill messages, Professor Isaac Sammani Rabo Butswat and Engineer Mohammed Chubado Tahir stressed the need for skilled manpower in the electric vehicle industry, noting that the partnership will help Nigeria adapt to global energy transition trends.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director, Centre for Human Resource Development (CHRD), Professor Aminu Umar, said the course reflects the university’s vision to promote practical learning, reduce quackery, and strengthen Nigeria’s economy through sustainable innovation.
He added that the university will soon introduce new programs in Procurement Management and Professional Child Care, aimed at building professional capacity and addressing societal needs.
