A five-day capacity building in skill acquisition and youth empowerment on autotronics and sensory system in Kano modern technologies opened yesterday in Kano, Kano. It is for auto-mechanics from the Northwest states to upgrade their skills.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive (EVC/CE) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof Mohammed Sani Haruna, who said the training will expose youths to the handling of modern vehicles.
He said such skills upgrade became imperative for automobile artisans nationwide because of advances in technology.
According to him, modern vehicles have computerised Engine Management Systems (EMS) and that local artisans must be part of global trends.
He said trial and error method of repair or maintenance of vehicles had become obsolete and no long compatible with modern vehicles and the automobiles of the future.
The NASENI boss said the programme, which was the first-phase of Northwest regional skill development, will lead to the training of 100 artisans.
He said: “The ingenuity and creativity of Nigerians is not in doubt when it comes to ability and capacity to observe operation, structure, and buildup of automobiles especially through backward integration technique.
“Our artisans and mechanics are able to clone automobiles through sourcing of Semi-Knocked Down (SKD), Completely Knocked Down (CKD) and even locally fabricate component/parts; body buildings and the assembling of passenger and cargo vehicles.
“They are able to diagnose faulty mechanical components and systems and restore functionality of vehicles without having a prior training in the methods of conventional or first and second generation vehicles even through trial and errors. Their innovation has provided employment for large able men who might not even have a formal education.
“They diagnose and repair even though it is largely based on trial and error. They are able to repair and arrest malfunctions that certified Engineers without hands-on practical exposure are unable and have no know-how to solve.
“However, trial and error method of repair and maintenance is risky, expensive, and not compatible with modern vehicles and automobiles of tomorrow. Modern vehicles have computerised Engine Management Systems (EMS) deploying advanced control logics, digital electronics – autotronics, microprocessors and application of intelligence systems making them sophisticated.”
Haruna explained why 100 auto artisans were recalled for retooling in line with modern technology.
He added: “But advances in diagnostic tools have made it easy to trace and address faults in the vehicles without which maintenance becomes too expensive and complicated and at times destructive. Many modern cars are grounded for simple lack of intelligent diagnostic tools or knowhow.
“This training is to equip the participants with advanced trouble shooting tools and complete occupational resources required to repair any automobile that employ sensory and autotronics.
“The trainees are carefully selected from those who are earning their livings as motor mechanics but requiring these advanced methods to qualify and repair modern vehicles and enhance efficiency.”