The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has launched an Electric Vehicle Bus Competition among 12 Nigerian universities to enhance local automotive innovations in the country.
The NADDC says that the Electric Vehicle Bus Competition, engaging 12 Nigerian universities, promotes sustainable mobility in Nigeria.
The initiative, unveiled at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Design Studio, challenges participants to design and produce eight-seater electric campus shuttle buses.
Nigeria’s automotive sector has long been dominated by imported vehicles, with limited local manufacturing capabilities. However, the country is now focusing on developing its own electric vehicle (EV) industry, driven by initiatives like the NADDC’s Electric Vehicle Bus Competition, according to the government agency.
Nigeria’s automotive sector has long been dominated by imported vehicles, with limited local manufacturing capabilities. However, the country is now focusing on developing its own electric vehicle (EV) industry, driven by initiatives like the NADDC’s Electric Vehicle Bus Competition, according to the government agency.
The first phase of the competition involves 12 universities from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. 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; the University of Port Harcourt; the University of Benin, Edo; University of Ilorin; and the University of Abuja.
“We are challenging universities to realise that we can achieve what others are doing in places like China and America,” Joseph Osanipin, NADDC Director-General says.
Vehicle manufacturing and assembly companies nationwide are involved as jury members, providing industry expertise and support to the competition. After the design phase, teams will collaborate with private sector partners, assemblers, and manufacturers to build the vehicles.
This collaboration, NADDC says, is expected to enhance the practical application of electric vehicle technology and promote sustainable mobility in Nigeria.
The competition offers several benefits, including teaching students fundamental project management skills, introducing them to global standards, and helping them source affordable local components for vehicle production.
Abdullahi Ayinde, NADDC’s Director of Vehicle Electrification, emphasises the importance of creative collaboration among participants to develop sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s transport sector.
According to Ayinde, “the competition will teach students project management fundamentals and help them understand global standards.”
The initiative also highlights the environmental benefits of electric vehicles, which are seen as a key component of sustainable transportation.
UNILAG’s involvement in the project aligns with its commitment to maintaining a green campus status, reflecting a broader trend toward environmental sustainability in Nigeria’s educational institutions.
As the competition progresses, NADDC plans to extend it to polytechnics and technical colleges in future phases.
“Beyond engineers, technologists, technicians, craftsmen, and fabricators, other professionals will contribute to the vehicle manufacturing process,” Osanipin adds.
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