UI, OAU, Others Anticipate FG’s Final Cut for Electric Vehicle Project

As Nigeria accelerates plans to become a continental leader in electric vehicle (EV) technology, the Federal Government has selected 12 universities,  two from each geopolitical zone, to kickstart the design and production of locally made electric cars. While the full list is yet to be made public, top-tier institutions like the University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) are widely speculated to be contenders for this groundbreaking initiative.

The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, made the announcement in Uyo during a stakeholders’ meeting with the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) and the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA). The engagement focused on the theme: “Import of Used Cars and Dealership Regulation in Nigeria.”

According to Osanipin, the selected universities will work on the development of a 100% electric University Shuttle Bus, with funding support from the Bank of Industry and other financial institutions. Charging stations have already been installed in 10 of the unnamed schools to support the project rollout.

“We’re not just building cars — we’re building capacity,” Osanipin stated. “We want these universities to lead the future of automotive innovation in Nigeria.”

He further noted that the government is pushing for component and parts manufacturing to support both vehicle production and long-term servicing needs, adding that Nigeria has a comparative advantage in producing items such as plastic parts from petroleum by-products.

With the race to revolutionise mobility in Nigeria now officially underway, the question remains: will Nigeria’s premier institutions like UI and OAU make the final list — or will new academic champions emerge?