Determined to bridge the gap between theory and practical expertise, the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna) has launched an intensive automobile training program that exposes students to real-world vehicle diagnostics, maintenance, and repair.
Organized by the university’s Entrepreneurship Centre in partnership with both local and international automobile firms, the hands-on workshop took place on October 3, 2025, at the Main Campus Works Department. The event marks another step in FUTMinna’s commitment to nurturing self-reliant graduates equipped for today’s dynamic automotive market.
In his keynote speech, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta highlighted the need for Nigerian institutions to balance academic knowledge with technical skill development. He noted that the world’s most industrialized nations, such as Japan and Germany, built their economic success on strong vocational foundations.
“Employability now depends on what you can do, not just what you know,” he remarked.
The Director of the Entrepreneurship Centre, Engr. Prof. Caroline O. Alenoghena, introduced the newly established Automobile Hub — a center designed to foster research, innovation, and collaboration across the automotive sector. Over 300 students have already enrolled, with future plans including free car servicing days and expanded cooperation with auto firms like CIG Motors in Abuja.
Participants at the workshop were guided by Chief Instructor Ekhalia Benjamin Joseph, who demonstrated the use of advanced diagnostic tools for modern vehicles. He stressed that the next generation of engineers must be capable of decoding computerized vehicle systems and applying problem-solving techniques to real-world challenges.
This initiative underscores FUTMinna’s forward-thinking approach to education — one that prioritizes practical exposure, innovation, and skill mastery — ensuring its graduates can compete globally in the rapidly advancing automotive industry.
