In a bid to enhance technical skills and keep auto technicians and youths updated with the latest automotive innovations, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with Ajawole Technical Service Limited, has successfully concluded a two-week specialized mechatronics training for technicians and youths in the South-East zone.
The intensive training, held at Michael Okpara Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, commenced on February 3 and concluded on Friday, February 14, 2025, with daily sessions starting at 10:00 AM. The program was designed to equip mechanics with modern diagnostic tools and techniques essential for handling the complexities of contemporary vehicles.
The initiative was widely praised by participants, facilitators, and organizers, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to acquire new skills.
Engineer Chinenye Jacob, a participant from Ohia Mechanic Village, emphasized the importance of staying updated in the evolving automotive industry.
“I have come to realize the need to gain more knowledge about newly invented vehicles. As the years go by, new models are introduced, and mechanics like me must be retrained to remain relevant. When I heard about this opportunity, I knew I had to attend,” he said.
Despite not being a university graduate, Engineer Jacob demonstrated a strong grasp of modern automotive diagnostics.
“Vehicles now operate with diagnostic tools. There are sensors, solenoids, and other components that cannot be identified manually, unlike in the past when we relied on trial and error. This training has shown me that using diagnostic machines makes fault detection faster and more accurate,” he explained.
He expressed deep appreciation for NADDC’s Director General, Oluremi Joseph, and urged for more training opportunities.
Women in Auto Mechanics
Mrs. Jasper Ogechukwu, another trainee, brought a fresh perspective to the male-dominated field. She embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm, seeing it as a stepping stone to a promising career.
“I aspire to become a great engineer. I have not fully entered the field, but I am preparing for it. With what I have learned here, I can’t wait to start working professionally,” she stated.
She emphasized the growing role of digital diagnostics in modern vehicle repair.
“With the knowledge I’ve gained, I can test and diagnose cars with ease. Digital diagnostics simplify the process, allowing mechanics to identify faults with precision,” she added.
Addressing the reluctance of many women to enter the field, Mrs. Ogechukwu encouraged more female participation.
“Many believe mechanical work is for men, but I don’t agree. The world is advancing, AI is taking over, but AI still needs human expertise. We must be part of this evolution,” she said.
Mr. Emmanuel Kwakauzo, a member of the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), commended the training for enhancing their technical capabilities.
“Before now, we used to refer to actuators as just fans and relays, but now we understand their actual functions. The books provided during this training help us identify components accurately,” he noted.
He reassured that most trainees were literate and capable of grasping technical concepts effectively.
“With this training, I am now fully equipped. Any modern car that comes to my workshop, I can diagnose and repair efficiently using scan tools instead of trial and error. This makes my work faster and more precise,” he explained.
Mr. Emmanuel urged fellow technicians to take advantage of future training opportunities.
“This program happens annually. I encourage all technicians to participate so they can stay updated and provide better services to their clients while increasing their earnings,” he advised.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Automotive Technology
One of the facilitators, Mr. Ndukwe Aso, emphasized the importance of the training in addressing the knowledge gap between traditional mechanics and modern automotive technology.
“The gap in knowledge was quite wide, which is what informed this training. Mechanics need updated insights to remain relevant in the industry. We focused on repairs, troubleshooting, and the use of diagnostic equipment,” he explained.
He noted that the participants showed great enthusiasm in adapting to new technology.
“No one is an island, and knowledge is continuous. As technology evolves, staying updated is crucial. The trainees embraced the knowledge, which is a good sign,” he added.
Mr. Asu also revealed that practical sessions were integrated into the program to provide hands-on experience.
“On February 12, we dedicated the entire day to practical exercises. Modern vehicles were brought in, and the trainees used diagnostic tools and programming equipment to troubleshoot faults. This gave them real-world experience in applying their newly acquired skills,” he said.
Call for More Training Opportunities
The participants and trainers expressed their gratitude to NADDC and Ajawole Technical Service Limited for organizing the training.
“I want to thank the federal government and NADDC for this opportunity. It is truly beneficial. I also appreciate our association, NATA, and its leaders for their efforts in making this happen,” Mr. Emmanuel stated.
Many participants called for more frequent training sessions to ensure the continuous development of auto technicians.
“As we receive training, we can pass the knowledge on to others in our workshops. This ensures that vehicle owners receive top-notch service and can drive safely,” he concluded.
The success of this training highlights the growing need for continuous professional development in the automotive industry, ensuring that Nigerian auto technicians remain competitive in the evolving world of modern vehicle technology.
