The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, on Wednesday, advised Automotive and Locomotive Engineers’ Institute (AutoEI), to do more to meet Nigeria’s goal of achieving a sustainable and diversified economy.
Mohammed gave the charge while delivering a speech at the 15th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the AutoEI at the African Centre of Excellence on New Pedagogies in Engineering Education (ACENPEE), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.
He urged the automotive and locomotive engineering institute to embrace innovation while maintaining the highest professional standards.
According to him, the theme of the conference: “Automotive and Locomotive Engineering Innovations for Sustainable Blue Economy,” could not be more timely and relevant.
He called on the engineers to mentor the next generation of engineers and technicians, and advocate for policies that support local automotive and locomotive industries.
He said that the synergy between NABTEB and AutoEI presented an unprecedented collaboration opportunities for mutual benefit and national development impact.
He said NABTEB and AutoEI can partner in joint curricula development, professional certification pathways, industry-driven skills assessment, technology transfer facilitation and innovation incubation.
He said that both bodies can “Collaborate in developing specialized technical programme that address specific automotive and locomotive engineering needs while maintaining international standard alignment.
“Create clear progression routes that enable NABTEB graduates to advance systematically within automotive and locomotive engineering careers, including pathways to professional registration and fellowship status.
“Develop competency-based assessment frameworks that directly reflect current and emerging industry requirements, ensuring graduates possess immediately applicable skills.
“Establish mechanisms for transferring cutting-edge automotive and locomotive technologies from research institutions and international partners to local industry practice.
“Create joint programmes that support entrepreneurship and innovation in automotive and locomotive engineering, fostering indigenous technology development.”
Mohammed encouraged the conference to focus on solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also environmentally responsible and economically viable for Nigerian conditions.
He said that automotive and locomotive sectors have unique opportunities to lead in: Clean transportation technologies, smart mobility solutions for urban and rural areas, integration of renewable energy in transportation systems, and
development of local manufacturing capabilities.
He reaffirmed NABTEB’s commitment to supporting the automotive and locomotive engineering profession through quality technical education and relevant programmes.
Mohammed added: “As Nigeria positions itself as a key player in the global blue economy, the automotive and locomotive sectors represent critical pillars for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement.
“The blue economy presents unprecedented opportunities for our nation, with its vast coastal resources and strategic geographic position.
“The Automotive and Locomotive Engineers’ Institute (AutoEI) stands at the forefront of developing the transportation infrastructure necessary to harness these opportunities effectively.
“The National Business and Technical Examinations Board was established with a clear mandate: to bridge the critical gap between academic learning and the practical skills demanded by Nigeria’s industrial and economic development needs.
“As the premier institution for technical and vocational education assessment in Nigeria, NABTEB recognizes that the foundation of any thriving automotive and locomotive engineering sector lies in a robust pipeline of skilled technicians, craftsmen, and engineering support personnel.
“Our commitment extends far beyond examination and certification to encompass comprehensive ecosystem development that supports Nigeria’s engineering aspirations.
“We continuously collaborate with industry stakeholders, professional bodies like AutoEI, and international partners to develop curricula that reflect contemporary technological realities while addressing local industrial needs. I see tremendous potential for deeper collaboration between NABTEB and AutoEI”.
