NADDC, NCCE Partner to Advance Automotive Skills Development in Colleges of Education

Abuja, Nigeria - 21 May, 2026

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) have strengthened collaboration aimed at boosting automotive skills development and technical education in Colleges of Education across Nigeria.

This followed a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of NCCE, Angela Ajala, to the Director-General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Angela Ajala said the engagement was part of efforts to reposition teacher education beyond conventional classroom learning by introducing modern technical and vocational skills into the education system.

She warned that Nigeria could face a shortage of teachers within the next six years if urgent measures are not taken to improve the perception of the teaching profession and equip students with employable skills.

According to her, the automotive sector remains one of the most important industries globally, especially with the growing adoption of electric vehicles, hybrid systems, CNG-powered vehicles, and other emerging technologies.

The NCCE boss explained that the Commission is seeking partnership with NADDC to review technical and vocational education curricula and introduce automotive technology into Colleges of Education as a strategic skill area for students.

Dr. Ajala also appealed for support in establishing automotive laboratories, workshops, mini innovation hubs, fabrication centres, and auto-diagnostic facilities in Colleges of Education to provide practical training opportunities for students.

She further stressed the need for training and capacity building for lecturers and instructors to ensure that modern automotive technologies are effectively integrated into teaching and learning.

In addition, she highlighted the importance of initiatives such as automotive skills competitions, internships, industrial attachments, innovation challenges, and apprenticeship programmes with automotive companies to improve students’ employability and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Responding, NADDC Director-General, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, expressed the Council’s readiness to collaborate with the Commission, describing education as a vital pillar for national development.

He noted that the proposal aligns with NADDC’s existing partnerships with universities, polytechnics, technical colleges, and other higher institutions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s automotive industry through skills development and capacity building.

Both agencies subsequently agreed to establish a joint committee to fast-track the implementation of the collaboration, with expected outcomes including improved technical education, enhanced youth employability, innovation growth, stronger skills development centres, and increased local automotive capacity.