The Federal Government, through the National Automotive Design and Development Council, has commenced training for technicians and youths in Ondo State on automotive mechatronics to equip them with the skills to repair and maintain new-generation vehicles.
The programme, launched on Tuesday in collaboration with the state government, aims to enhance the capacity of auto technicians in handling modern vehicles, which are increasingly electronic rather than mechanical.
Speaking at the specialised mechatronics and heavy-duty vehicle training for technicians and youths in the South-West, NADDC Director-General, Oluwemimo Osanipin, said the initiative was essential for Nigeria’s automotive industry.
“This training is strategically designed to upgrade skills and build capacity among auto technicians and youths, ensuring they can handle modern vehicle maintenance and repairs,” he stated.
Osanipin noted that heavy-duty vehicles now operate on compression ignition engines, making it critical for mechanics to acquire the technical knowledge to service these electronically controlled systems.
The two-week training is being held in three locations—Calabar (Cross River), Umuahia (Abia), and Akure (Ondo)—for mechatronics, while training on heavy-duty vehicles is taking place in Yola (Adamawa) and Kaduna (Kaduna).
He explained that participants would receive training in diesel engine electronics, computerised engine diagnostics, and entrepreneurship skills to help them establish sustainable businesses.
Declaring the training open, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa, reiterated his administration’s commitment to job creation for youths.
“This collaboration between the Federal Government and Ondo State is a welcome development. We are happy to support this initiative and ensure that our youths acquire relevant skills for employment,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
He urged NADDC to sustain the programme so that more youths could benefit from the training in the future.
