By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has launched the second phase of its Certificate Programme in Electric Vehicle and Auto Diagnostics, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transition towards sustainable and technology-driven mobility.
The virtual flag-off ceremony was held in collaboration with the Auto Clinic Center, Abuja.
In his keynote remarks, the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Technology, Innovation, and Research), Professor Christine Ofulue, said the programme reflects the university’s commitment to tackling unemployment, promoting technical education, and advancing Nigeria’s green economy through strategic public-private partnerships.
“This initiative represents a forward-thinking step toward preparing our youth for the future of mobility and sustainable transportation,” Prof. Ofulue stated, commending the Auto Clinic Center for its innovation and vision.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Registrar of NOUN, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, reiterated the importance of the training in equipping Nigerians with relevant skills for the rapidly evolving e-mobility sector.
He assured participants of high-quality instruction and noted that a hands-on internship component would be facilitated in collaboration with leading automobile industries.
The Chief Executive Officer of Auto Clinic Center, Mr. Nathaniel Okwesiri, who joined the ceremony from Austria, expressed appreciation for the partnership and underscored the need to develop both graduate and non-graduate professionals capable of servicing and innovating within the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem.
Also speaking, Professor Shehu Usman Adamu, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and Chairman, Vice Chancellor’s Committee on Certificate Courses, described the Auto Clinic Training Initiative as a transformative step in preparing Nigerian technicians for the EV revolution.
He emphasized that the partnership between NOUN and stakeholders would enhance national capacity in EV repair, maintenance, and innovation.
Joining virtually from the COP30 Summit in Brazil, Prince Mustapha Mona Audu, CEO of Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC) and keynote speaker, highlighted Nigeria’s potential to lead Africa’s electric mobility drive, citing the nation’s large market and growing environmental consciousness.
“Electric vehicles offer simpler, cleaner, and more affordable solutions than internal combustion engines,” Prince Audu said. “Through this partnership with NOUN, we can train a new generation of innovators and position Nigeria as Africa’s EV hub.”
Prince Audu also announced the donation of two electric vehicles, a two-wheeler and a three-wheeler, to NOUN, alongside plans to establish EV charging infrastructure across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
In his welcome address, Professor Aminu Umar, Director of the Centre for Human Resource Development (CHRD), said the programme aligns with Vice Chancellor Peters’ vision to promote practical, skill-based learning that mitigates quackery and builds a resilient, knowledge-driven economy responsive to global sustainability goals.
Other speakers, including Professor Isaac Sammani Rabo Butswat and Engineer Mohammed Chubado Tahir, stressed the need for skilled manpower in electric vehicle technology to support Nigeria’s green transition.
The event also unveiled plans for new professional courses in Procurement Management and Professional Child Care, furthering NOUN’s mission to expand access to quality education and address emerging societal needs.
