AKSU Organises Orientation for Pioneer 2024 Transport, Automotive, Logistics Students

Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) held an orientation exercise for the pioneer students of the Centre for Automotive Training, Transport, and Logistics (CATTL) Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at the New Auditorium, Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

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The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nse U. Essien, welcomed the pioneer students and professional collaborators to the event. He highlighted that the Centre aims to produce modern technicians by leveraging the latest technology and equipment. Prof. Essien urged the students to abandon outdated practices and embrace new technologies to contribute to societal development. He emphasised that this initiative aligns with the A.R.I.S.E. Agenda of His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, by fostering entrepreneurship and improving living standards. The Vice-Chancellor also thanked the resource persons for their contributions and encouraged the new students to become "born again technicians" post-training.

Dr. Godwin Ekong, the Acting Director of the Centre, expressed profound gratitude to the Governing Council, the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their support in developing the Centre. He also thanked the professional collaborators, staff, and trainees for their efforts in commencing the programme. Dr. Ekong stated that the Centre will offer programmes leading to certifications in Automotive Technology, Transport and Logistics, each with a six-month duration comprising intensive lectures, seminars, practical work, and two weeks of industrial training.

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According to him, these programmes are designed to meet the academic requirements of the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), as well as the Chartered Institute of Transport and Administration (CITA). He added that the skills to be acquired include: general automotive skills in electrometrical vehicles, engine performance, automotive electronics, vehicle electrification and hybridisation, CNG, powertrain technology, transmission, brake systems, front-end alignment, automotive air conditioning, body and glass repair, upholstery, vulcanisation, wheel balancing and alignment, welding and fabrication, foundry, spare parts design, modern logistics and transport.

Dr. Ekong further announced that the new CATTL complex, approved for construction by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will be set for commissioning in October 2028. He noted that this will be the first of its kind in Nigeria. He reported that 55 pioneer students have enrolled in the programme: 38 in the Automotive section and 17 in Transport and Logistics.

The event featured an orientation lecture by Dr. Tony Akadi on "Enhancing Safety and Healthy Culture in the Working Environment." Various speeches and addresses were delivered by different groups and professional bodies to ensure the safe running of the Centre.

Notable attendees included: former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Esio Oboho; Director, Academic Planning, Prof. Udo J. Ibok, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Aniefiok Ite; Dean of Students' Affairs, Engr. Dr. Dominic Ekpo; Director of Health Services, Dr. Geoffrey Udoh; Head, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Dr. Teniola Udoh; Head, Directorate of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, Mr. Gabriel Otu; and staff from the same Directorate.

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Representatives from industrial collaborators included Engr. Etim Inyang from Allegiance CNG Ltd; Engr. Uwem Ibia from DUMEL Engineering; Itoro Effiong from CITL; and Mr. Charles Eka from NATA, among others.