ABUJA — In a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s technical skill gap and promoting employment among young Nigerians, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has entered into a strategic partnership with Philomath University, Kuje, Abuja. The collaboration is aimed at strengthening technical education and fostering innovation in the country’s rapidly evolving automotive sector.
During a high-level meeting held at the council’s headquarters in Abuja, the Director-General of NADDC, Mr. Joseph Osanipin, expressed optimism about the impact of the partnership on national development. He noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda by building capacity in critical sectors and creating pathways to sustainable livelihoods for Nigerian youths.
“We are proud to collaborate with Philomath University in an effort to develop a future-ready workforce that can compete on the global stage,” Mr. Osanipin stated. “Through this partnership, we intend to set up a knowledge hub where innovation meets industrial relevance, especially in the automotive and engineering spaces.”
According to Osanipin, the partnership will focus on curriculum development, internship programmes, joint research, and the establishment of automotive-focused innovation labs. These initiatives, he said, will not only prepare students with real-world skills but also contribute directly to Nigeria’s industrialization goals.
The Vice-Chancellor of Philomath University, Professor Peter A. Okebukola, welcomed the collaboration as a landmark step in repositioning the university as a hub for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). He emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, describing the agreement as a win for students, industry, and the Nigerian economy.
“This is beyond an MOU; it is a commitment to building a new generation of skilled professionals who can drive Nigeria’s automotive ambitions and industrial competitiveness,” Prof. Okebukola remarked.
The NADDC–Philomath partnership also seeks to integrate green technology and electric vehicle research into the educational pipeline, preparing Nigerian students for the future of mobility and clean energy innovation.
Stakeholders in education and industry have lauded the move, calling it a model for other government agencies and higher institutions to emulate in addressing Nigeria’s pressing employment and technology challenges. With Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate still high and the automotive sector holding significant job creation potential, the partnership is expected to bear tangible results in the coming years.
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