Design/Development of Automotive Mechatronics Curriculum and Its Instructional Manuals
The inability of our mechanics to be able to understand and repair new generation vehicles in the country today, prompted the Council to commission a study on mechanics skill-gap analysis i.e. the difference between available know-how and the requirements of modern automobile maintenance and repairs in Nigeria. The findings of the study show that 80% of the skill deficiencies of the Nigerian auto-technicians hinges mainly on the electrical/electronic systems of these modern vehicles while 20% are on incorrect work methods, safety and environment as well as poor workshop management and organizational ability. These findings further prompted the Council to design, in collaboration with other stakeholders an automotive Mechatronics Curriculum. This curriculum will lead to the award of Trade Test III, II and I certificates in automotive mechatronics. The Council also went a step further and developed instructional manuals for the delivery of the curriculum. These instruction manuals are now ready and the training programme will soon commence when we finish our discussions with the proposed training centres. The Council through a consultant identified 260 workshop nationwide where mechanics can be trained in the new curriculum. 260 trainers from these were trained on teaching methods and auto technical subjects. This training programme will equip our mechanics to a have a deeper understanding of new vehicle technology and give them the skill needed to repair them, thereby saving their jobs as the vehicles they are able to repair currently are dwindling in number. NADDC is also collaborating with SMEDAN to train 100 mechanics on repairs & maintenance of new generation vehicles from 7th October, 2013. NAC and SURE-P plan to training 2,000 auto technicians from October, 2013. NADDC plans to start its own training programme before the end of the year.