- “This project is for the students, because of the students, and will be operated by the students,” the minister said
- He further praised the students, academic staff, and management for supporting the initiative
- The minister emphasized that each university will receive 20 tricycles along with a solar-powered charging station
The Minister of Education, Hon. Tunji Alausa, on Monday officially launched the Renewed Hope Transport Scheme at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), introducing 240 solar-powered electric tricycles to ease intra-campus movement for students.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the initiative, aimed at reducing transportation costs and improving mobility between hostels, faculties, and laboratories, is part of a national intervention across 12 universities representing all six geopolitical zones.
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The scheme is a flagship project under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, reflecting the government’s commitment to placing student welfare and comfort at the center of national development.
The minister emphasized that each university will receive 20 tricycles along with a solar-powered charging station, ensuring reliable and sustainable operations.
Alausa highlighted that the electric tricycles are donated directly to student unions, encouraging students to manage them responsibly while maintaining low fares for campus commuters.
Speaking at the event, the minister acknowledged UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, for the university’s innovation in campus transport, noting that the e-tricycles complement existing services such as the Ogata Transport Service.
He further praised the students, academic staff, and management for supporting the initiative and for embracing modern and environmentally friendly technologies.
The program, which also aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and green energy objectives, aims to expand across other tertiary institutions, with future budget provisions already secured for 2025–2026.
Alausa explained that the initiative not only enhances students’ academic experience but also introduces them to renewable energy practices through solar-powered vehicles, contributing to environmental sustainability.
“This project is for the students, because of the students, and will be operated by the students,” the minister said, urging collaboration with university management to ensure effective use.
He added that the program is part of a broader effort by the federal government to provide practical, measurable, and impactful interventions that support Nigerian youth amidst rising transportation costs.
The first tranche of the deployment covers universities including UNILAG, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, University of Jos, and several others.
Each institution is expected to manage and maintain the e-tricycles, with students benefiting from affordable intra-campus transport and opportunities to generate revenue for sustainability.
The launch marks a significant step toward modernizing student mobility, reducing financial burdens, and promoting clean energy solutions across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
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