Imagine the clatter of spanners and the hum of engines in Mokola, Oyo state. Hundreds of motorcycle and tricycle mechanics — men and women who keep Nigeria’s wheels rolling, rain or shine — are about to get a powerful boost. In a move that’s raising eyebrows and sparking conversations on the streets and online, President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser for youth initiative (Monitoring and Delivery), Titilope Gbadamosi, has revealed a fresh wave of hope for artisans: a skill upgrade and certification programme designed to transform lives and turbocharge local economies, right here in Oyo state.
If you’re a keke or okada repairer in Ibadan or anywhere in Oyo, this could be your golden ticket out of the “mama put” hustle. But what’s truly going on behind this government initiative — and why are people across Nigeria talking? Let’s enter into the details, separating facts from noise.
Inside Tinubu’s Skill Upgrade Programme: Opportunity for Oyo’s Mechanics
On Friday, October 24, Titilope Gbadamosi, via an official social media post, announced an unprecedented opportunity: the “Skill Upgrade and Certification Opportunity in the Automotive Sector” is now open for practising motorcycle and tricycle repairers in Oyo state. Organised through a partnership between the Office of the Special Adviser on Youth Initiative and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), this targeted scheme promises not just advanced technical knowledge, but also industry-recognized certification and connections to nationwide partnerships.
What does this mean for the typical Oyo artisan? According to details shared by Gbadamosi, selected participants will receive:
- Free, hands-on training with the latest automotive techniques
- Official certification recognised by the NADDC
- Direct links to potential business partnerships across Nigeria
No wonder mechanics who used to “guess” engine faults are eager — this could genuinely boost their earnings and reputation. The only snag? Registration is exclusively for professionals actively practising in Oyo, and interested mechanics must send their names and numbers to the provided contact before Thursday, October 20. Only shortlisted candidates will hear back, making the window of opportunity as brief as a Lagos rain shower.
Why Oyo State? Local Impact and Broader Vision
You might wonder: why start with Oyo? According to Gbadamosi, this state has a thriving informal transport sector, with thousands depending on bikes and tricycles for their daily bread. For many families in Ibadan, Ogbomoso, and beyond, affordable and reliable transport is more than convenience — it’s survival. Upgrading the skills of local repairers could reduce accidents, improve service quality, and create jobs, directly feeding back into Oyo’s growing economy.
This programme doesn’t just empower individuals; it’s meant to bolster entire communities. Certified mechanics can reportedly attract more customers, serve as mentors, and even support budding apprentices. When an okada mechanic in Saki gets formal training, everyone in his area — from pepper sellers to school kids — feels the benefit through safer, smoother rides.
Nigerians React: Cheers, Concerns, and Calls for Expansion
News of Tinubu’s automotive skill upgrade initiative quickly caught fire on social media. As soon as Gbadamosi made the announcement, reactions poured in like Harmattan rain from across the country:
Emmanuel, a commentator, stressed the urgent need to replicate such trainings in other technical fields — pointing out that painters, vulcanizers, and welders also keep Nigerian cities moving.
“This is great. Please, are there similar opportunities or plans for Skill Upgrade & Certification in the Tractor and Mechanisation Sector? There’s a significant gap in this area, especially across the Southwest. It would help strengthen agricultural productivity and youth employability.”
Photo Credit: @officialABAT
Source: Twitter
Alade Ayeniromo raised a valid point: “How will most mechanics know about this if their associations aren’t contacted? Many aren’t even on social media!”
“To get people on board, there is a need to reach out to their association, and it should be broadcast on radio stations beyond online platforms.”
Others, like EcoBillion and Agbabiaka, pressed for inclusion, asking when such programmes will reach other South-Western states and whether the North or South-East will be considered in the near future.
“Good morning, Ma’am. Please, when is Delta State going to benefit from all of these?”
“I don’t think most of the people who need this even know about X. I think identifying parks and workshops to do a campaign will go a long way.”
“What about other SW.”
It’s a familiar tune — many Nigerians have long complained about unequal access to empowerment opportunities. “Every region deserves a seat at the table,” one mechanic in Osogbo told our correspondent, echoing calls for fairness and transparency.
Is There Room for Improvement? Balancing Promise with Challenge
While the concept is widely celebrated, questions remain about implementation. Will all applicants truly be considered on merit? How will rural repairers register if announcements are mainly online? According to several artisans, easy access and follow-through are keys to credibility. Lessons from previous government skill-acquisition projects show that success depends on clear communication, on-the-ground outreach, and regular progress reports.
See Gbadamosi’s official announcement here for further details and updates as they come in.
FG’s Broader Push: N20m Competition for Nigerian Entrepreneurs
This skill scheme isn’t happening in isolation. Just days earlier, the Federal Government, through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), launched a ₦20 million national pitch competition aimed at empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs ahead of the 2025 National MSME Conference.
According to SMEDAN, five outstanding business owners will win cash grants, while ten winners will enjoy all-expenses-paid trips to professional development conferences. These efforts reflect a growing national focus on small-business empowerment, job creation, and the pride that comes from “jollofing” with one’s own hands.
For many young Nigerians, such interventions are more than news; they’re lifelines. In a nation where youth unemployment and underemployment stand at a reported over 40% according to the National Bureau of Statistics, every new door matters.
Expert Voices: What the Future Holds for Technical Artisans
According to Dr. Chuka Igwe, a Lagos-based skills development consultant, “Formal technical training not only raises the standard of work, it increases diversity in business opportunities. When artisans get certified, doors open to contracts previously out of reach.” He adds that similar schemes in Ghana and South Africa have seen success but require constant monitoring to deliver promised results.
However, challenges like bureaucracy, limited slots, and information gaps remain hurdles. Many are calling for collaboration with local associations, more transparent selection, and physical outreach to mechanics’ shops and garages — not just city centres or online spaces.
What Next for Oyo and Beyond? The Road Ahead
Will this certification drive truly change the fortunes of Oyo’s mechanics — or will it be one more government promise blown away like a Harmattan leaf? As registration closes and applicants await feedback, all eyes are on how well authorities deliver and whether the idea spreads to other states.
One thing is clear: this is more than a technical workshop. It’s a test of whether public initiatives can reach street-level Nigerians with real opportunity. For countless artisans, it’s the difference between “managing” and moving up in life.
What do you think about the government’s focus on upskilling keke and okada repairers in Oyo — should this expand nationwide? Do you have a story about similar empowerment efforts that changed your life or community?
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