Lagos: University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State, has emerged as the overall winner of the National Automotive Design and Development Council’s (NADDC) inaugural 8-Seater Electric Vehicle (EV) Campus Shuttle Bus Design Competition. The grand finale took place at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and the University of Abuja finished as first and second runners-up, respectively.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the competition commenced on March 6 and featured 12 universities from across Nigeria. Mr. Emmanuel Ikegwuonu, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UNIBEN, presented on behalf of his team, highlighting that 50 percent of the materials used were locally sourced. He detailed the partnership with local suppliers and auto manufacturers, emphasizing the design’s focus on benefiting people, profit, and the planet.
Prof. Osarobo Ighodaro, who supervised the victorious UNIBEN team, elaborated on the technical aspects of the project and the simplification process for the students. Prof. Ibrahim Rufai, from Bayero University Kano, explained the selection criteria and industrial requirements during the announcement of the winners.
The competition’s winning team consisted of 20 individuals: 10 students from various faculties, five lecturers, two industry experts, and the remaining technicians. NADDC Director-General, Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, announced cash rewards for all participating schools, with UNIBEN receiving N5 million, the first runner-up N3 million, the second runner-up N4 million, and each participating school N2 million.
Osanipin stated that the competition aimed to promote local content in vehicle design for Nigerian use and potential export. He praised the multidisciplinary efforts involved in the electric vehicle design and emphasized the need for collaboration between stakeholders to advance production in Nigeria. Osanipin highlighted the competition as a testament to the possibilities of cleaner mobility in the country and announced the next phase of production in collaboration with the private sector and NADDC support.
Sen. John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, represented by his Special Adviser, Mr. Odunsanya Adedamola, noted that the initiative aligns with the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP). He commended the collaboration between government, academia, and industry, emphasizing the importance of cultivating homegrown solutions and technological capacity for sustainable industrialization and economic growth.
Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, represented by Prof. Wale Okunuga, highlighted how the initiative aligns with the institution’s green projects. Other speakers, including representatives from the National Assembly, discussed the benefits of clean mobility for Nigeria and the potential for local electric vehicle production.
Participating universities from Nigeria’s six geo-political zones included Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun; University of Port Harcourt; University of Ilorin; and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.