On the 16th February 2021, over 200 students were Inducted into the BOSCH- Innoson Kiara Academy (IKA) training programme in automobile maintenance for youths in the five (5) States of South Eastern Nigeria at Nnewi, Anambra State.

The Chairman/CEO of Innoson Vehicles, Chief Innocent Chukwuma OFR while addressing the newly admitted trainees urged them to make good use of the opportunity by making sure that they acquire all the knowledge.

Chief Chukwuma encouraged the CEO of Innoson Kiara Academy IKA, Mr. Endi Ezengwa and all the lecturers to keep up with the good works.

The Chief Executive Officer, IKA, Mr. Endi Ezengwa in his address appreciated Chief Chukwuma for the role he has played in establishing the Academy which offers the youths platform to be trained and empowered. He described Innoson as a man of vision who has touched lives.

Ezengwa while addressing the students adviced them to be focused and passionate. According to him, “What we do here is human transformation. Your knowledge, skills and knowledge will not only be build but transformed.”

Speaking during in an interview, Ezengwa said this is the beginning of the induction process.

“The students will be trained for six months in the factory and the remaining six months in there respective departments.”

Mrs Chizoba Adaigwe (a project developer) also said the academy is determined to change the narrative.

“Our network is interested in developing the south east of Nigeria which could be an engine for the country. This programme is channeled at bringing together a German and Southeast company to work and partner together and train our youths who are the future. This program is set out to encourage the youths and harnessing their skills.”

The administration manager of Innoson Kiara Academy (IKA) Engr. Chris .O. Ukaoha while giving more details on IKA, said the academy was set up to contribute to youths empowerment through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

“The programmes delivered in IKA are geared towards human capital development, poverty alleviation and production of skilled manpower for the Nigeria economy.

“The collaboration of the Academy with her sister organization, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM) makes the academy stand out among other TVET institutions in Nigeria. This is because IKA partners with the industry to delivers education that is geared towards matching theoretical training in the classroom with functional practical exposure in the very well-equipped workshop of IVM.

“IKA offers five departmental courses which includes: Auto Mechanic, Auto Electrical and Electronics, Auto Fabrication and Welding, Auto Spraying/Painting and Information and Computer Technology.

“IKA Curriculum is designed to give our graduates an all-inclusive educational experience and exposure that provides adequate skills acquisition and employability”.

The Heads Of Departments (HODs) in their separate speeches introduced there courses to the students by explaining the ethics and basics of the courses.

The newly inducted students toured the factory and were showed how the processes of car manufacturing are done.