Cross River Launches Free Electric Vehicle Training Programme for 100 Youths
The Cross River State Government has launched an Electric Vehicle (EV) Auto Technician Training Programme aimed at equipping young people with the technical skills needed to thrive in Nigeria’s emerging electric mobility and green transportation industry.
The initiative, scheduled to commence in June, will provide free training for 100 youths selected from the state's 18 local government areas under the Local Content VOSEP Initiative.
Speaking with journalists in Calabar, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, Ambassador Awatt Caleb, said the programme is part of ongoing efforts to prepare young people for future employment opportunities in the rapidly evolving automotive sector.
According to Caleb, participants will receive practical and industry-relevant training in electric vehicle maintenance, manufacturing support services, diagnostics, and modern automotive technologies. He noted that the programme is designed to bridge the skills gap in the transportation sector while positioning Cross River youths to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the global transition to clean energy.
"The world is moving towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation systems, and we want our youths to be adequately prepared for the opportunities that come with this transition," Caleb said.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the state government's commitment to youth empowerment, local content development, and economic diversification. By investing in technical education and innovation-driven skills, the government hopes to create a new generation of skilled technicians capable of supporting Nigeria's growing electric vehicle ecosystem.
Industry experts have described the programme as a timely intervention, especially as interest in electric vehicles continues to grow across Africa. The training is expected to expose participants to modern technologies that are increasingly becoming central to the future of transportation.
Beyond creating employment opportunities, the programme is also expected to encourage entrepreneurship among young people by providing them with the expertise needed to establish businesses in vehicle servicing, maintenance, and EV-related support services.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are expected to await the release of official application guidelines by the Cross River State Government and the Local Content VOSEP Initiative coordinators. Selection will be made from the 18 local government areas of the state, with details on eligibility requirements and application procedures expected to be announced before the training begins in June.
The EV Auto Technician Training Programme represents another step in Cross River's drive to empower youths with future-ready skills while supporting the transition to a greener and more sustainable economy.