Nigerian universities tasked with building electric buses in NADDC EV competition

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has unveiled its Electric Vehicle Bus Competition, a new initiative to improve vehicle development in Nigerian universities.

Unveiled on Thursday at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Design Studio, the competition invites tertiary institutions across the country to design and build electric buses. NADDC Director-General Mr. Joseph Osanipin explained that the project was intended to foster research, innovation, and utilization of local materials in automobile production.

“We are challenging universities to realise that we can achieve what others are doing in China and America,” he added, referencing the importance of innovation in the automobile industry of Nigeria.

NADDC encourages university participation and engagement

In its first phase, the competition will engage 12 Nigerian universities from six geopolitical zones. Participating universities include Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) of Zaria; Usmanu Danfodiyo University of Sokoto; Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH) of Yola; and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) of Bauchi.

Others are the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO); Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Osun State; the University of Port Harcourt; the University of Benin; the University of Ilorin; and the University of Abuja. 

See also: UNN’s Mechatronic Team Produces First Nigerian-Made Electric Car

These institutions are encouraged to design and produce eight-seater campus shuttle buses, thereby paving the way for a competitive process. The competition is set to test the students’ technical capabilities and inspire creative problem-solving skills. The project also brings in motor vehicle manufacturers and assembly companies from across Nigeria, who will serve as jury members who will be judging the competition.

After the design phase, teams are to incorporate their work with private sector partners, assemblers, and manufacturers to build their proposed vehicles. Mr. Osanipin said that later phases of the competition could include polytechnics and technical colleges, broadening the scope and involvement of Nigeria’s academic community.

“Beyond engineers, technologists, technicians, craftsmen, and fabricators, other professionals will contribute to the vehicle manufacturing process,” he added, highlighting the collaboration involved.

Project benefits and similar initiatives

Highlighting the educational and practical value of the competition, Mr. Abdullahi Ayinde, the Director of Vehicle Electrification at NADDC stated that the program would equip students with required project management competencies, introduce them to global standards, and educate them on sourcing local and affordable parts for car manufacturing.

“I believe this project will drive national progress and highlight the potential within academia,” he said.

Nigeria has been making strides towards electric vehicles for quite some time now. In July 2024, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu witnessed a partnership between Ibile Holdings Limited and CIG Motors Company Limited. The deal was meant to enhance the LAGRIDE fleet with 5,000 brand-new vehicles, 1,000 of which were electric cars. 

Another similar project was initiated at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) where the NADDC inaugurated a 100% solar-powered electric vehicle charging station. The project was part of NADDC’s plan to promote the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy.

Likewise, in November 2023, Igbinedion University in Edo State started building a lightweight electric minibus. The university was involved in designing and producing the vehicle as part of its engineering students’ research work. 

With these competitions and initiatives, Nigeria appears set to revolutionize its transport and automotive sector. This places a sharp emphasis on local innovation and sustainability. In effect, the key focus is on encouraging the utilization of electric cars as well as renewable energy systems and cultivating research and development from home. 

This initiative not only aims to reduce the country’s reliance on petrol and reduce carbon emissions but also to drive economic growth through local manufacturing and technology development. It is expected to create new job opportunities and encourage innovation across various sectors. Ultimately, this initiative represents a critical step toward building a more sustainable and resilient economy for the future.