In a bid to revolutionize Nigeria’s automotive industry and promote homegrown electric vehicle (EV) technology, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has launched a nationwide Electric Vehicle Bus Competition. 

The initiative, which brings together 12 universities from across the country, aims to harness local talent for the design and production of sustainable transport solutions.

The competition, officially unveiled at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Design Studio, seeks to inspire research and innovation in the automotive sector by engaging students in the development of eight-seater electric campus shuttle buses. 

NADDC Director-General, Mr. Joseph Osanipin, emphasized the council’s commitment to fostering local expertise and reducing dependence on foreign vehicle technology.

“We are challenging universities to realise that we can achieve what others are doing in China and America,” Osanipin stated. “By engaging our universities, we are laying the foundation for a future where Nigerian engineers lead in automotive manufacturing,”

The competition is structured in phases, beginning with the design stage, after which selected teams will collaborate with private-sector partners, vehicle assemblers, and manufacturers to bring their concepts to life. 

Participants hail from universities representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), among others.

NADDC’s Director of Vehicle Electrification, Mr. Abdullahi Ayinde, highlighted that beyond engineering skills, the competition would equip students with project management experience, an understanding of global automotive standards, and the ability to source affordable local materials for vehicle production.

The initiative has garnered support from stakeholders in the automotive industry, with manufacturers and assemblers serving as jury members. 

According to Osanipin, the long-term goal is to expand the competition to polytechnics and technical colleges, ensuring a broader talent pool contributes to Nigeria’s transition to electric mobility.

The launch event at UNILAG underscored the growing role of academic institutions in advancing Nigeria’s technological development. Prof. Oluropo Adeosun, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, recalled previous university-led innovations in vehicle production, expressing optimism that the competition would further enhance national development.

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

UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Bola Oboh, commended NADDC’s effort, noting that electric vehicles align with UNILAG’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.

As Nigerian universities take on the challenge of developing electric buses, the competition is expected to serve as a stepping stone toward a future where locally manufactured EVs contribute significantly to the nation’s transportation landscape.