LAGOS, March 6, 2025 (NAN) – The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has launched an Electric Vehicle Bus Competition aimed at fostering local innovation and advancing sustainable transportation in Nigeria.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The initiative, introduced at the UNILAG Design Studio, involves 12 universities from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones competing to design and produce eight-seater electric Campus Shuttle Buses. The competition seeks to enhance research, creativity, and the use of indigenous materials in vehicle development.
Participating institutions include Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun; University of Port Harcourt; University of Benin, Edo; University of Ilorin; and University of Abuja.
According to NADDC Director-General, Mr. Joseph Osanipin, the competition aims to inspire students to develop electric vehicles tailored to Nigeria’s needs, providing a platform for research and collaboration with private sector partners. He emphasized that Nigerian students have the potential to achieve global automotive standards, similar to advancements seen in China and the U.S.
The competition will not only test engineering capabilities but also educate students on project management, sourcing affordable local components, and meeting global manufacturing standards. NADDC’s Director of Vehicle Electrification, Mr. Abdullahi Ayinde, stressed that the initiative promotes hands-on learning and technical expertise among students.
The event also featured insights from automotive experts who outlined project execution procedures, technical details, and industry collaboration opportunities.
UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Bola Oboh, commended the program, highlighting its alignment with the university’s sustainability goals and the broader push for environmentally friendly transport solutions.
NADDC plans to expand the initiative in future phases to include polytechnics and technical colleges, broadening participation and fostering a culture of innovation in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
