Lagos: Students of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) have developed an electric tricycle and an AI-powered food delivery platform to address challenges in transport, energy, and logistics. These projects were presented during an institutional innovation showcase aimed at tackling Nigeria’s mobility constraints, fuel costs, and urban delivery inefficiencies.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Deputy Registrar of the Centre for Communication Information and Public Relations, Mr. Adekunle Adams, revealed these initiatives in a statement. Adams highlighted that the projects reflect YABATECH’s commitment to practical learning, urging students to create solutions with real-world impact. The electric tricycle, created by Higher National Diploma Mechanical Engineering students led by Chukwuma Chisom, was recognized as the best innovation overall.
Adams explained that the electric tricycle project demonstrated technical ingenuity and teamwork, as it converted a petrol-powered TVS tricycle into a fully electric vehicle. This innovation aims to reduce fuel dependence, cut transport costs, and promote eco-friendly mobility, supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy while offering a cost-effective alternative for commercial transport operators.
The students replaced the combustion engine with a 72-volt, 4-kilowatt brushless direct current motor, smart controller, and lithium battery system. This configuration enhances energy efficiency, reduces noise pollution, and lowers maintenance requirements compared to traditional petrol-powered tricycles. The prototype can travel approximately 45 kilometers per charge, with a proposed commercial model projected to cover nearly 200 kilometers daily, focusing on commercial viability for intra-city transport and last-mile connectivity services.
Another significant innovation is the AI-powered food delivery platform by student Uba Mathew, designed to enhance meal recommendations and logistics. The platform uses artificial intelligence to personalize user experiences, streamline vendor operations, and optimize delivery routes. Small food vendors could benefit from increased visibility, improved order management, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
The platform integrates customer reviews, predictive demand systems, and rider performance evaluations to improve accountability and service quality. Adams noted that this innovation addresses inefficiencies in existing delivery services, particularly delays, coordination issues, and performance tracking gaps.
Meanwhile, YABATECH Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, encouraged youths to embrace creativity and technology, emphasizing innovation’s role in economic growth. Abdul stressed the importance of skills development, urging students to align their ideas with national priorities and global technological trends. He reiterated the institution’s support for innovation-driven education, noting that such initiatives position graduates for entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.