University Of Benin Triumphs In National Electric Vehicle Design Competition, Claims N5m Prize.
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Edo State has emerged victorious in the inaugural National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) 8-Seater Electric Vehicle (EV) Campus Shuttle Bus Design Competition, securing a N5 million prize. The grand finale, held on Friday at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), showcased the innovative prowess of Nigerian universities, with UNIBEN outshining 11 other institutions to claim the top spot.
The competition, which kicked off on 6 March, challenged teams from 12 federal universities across Nigeria to design an electric campus shuttle bus tailored for local mobility needs. UNIBEN’s winning design, presented by Mr Emmanuel Ikegwuonu from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, stood out for its use of biomimicry inspired by the boxfish and its incorporation of market-relevant innovations. Notably, 50 per cent of the materials used in the design were locally sourced, demonstrating a strong commitment to indigenous innovation and sustainability. Ikegwuonu highlighted the team’s collaboration with local suppliers and automotive manufacturers, emphasising how their design balanced benefits for people, profit, and the planet.
The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) secured the first runner-up position with a N4 million prize, while the University of Abuja took second runner-up, earning N3 million. The two-day event, which concluded at UNILAG’s Design Studio, saw five universities—Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, FUTO, University of Abuja, UNIBEN, and UNILAG—present their final designs. Each team, comprising 20 members with 10 core student contributors, was tasked with producing detailed project management plans, feasibility videos, and comprehensive design documents, from preliminary sketches to final vehicle files.
The NADDC, led by Director-General Joseph Osanipin, hailed the competition as a transformative step for Nigeria’s automotive and educational sectors. Represented by Engr. Ayinde Abdullahi, Director of Vehicle Electrification, Osanipin praised the initiative for fostering research, creativity, and the use of indigenous materials. Key industry partners, including Dangote Sinotruk and Lanre Shittu Motors, provided mentorship and technical support, ensuring the designs met both technical and societal benchmarks. The council aims to achieve 60 per cent local content in future projects, aligning with Nigeria’s push for sustainable transportation and reduced reliance on petrol.
UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, represented by Professor Wale Okunnuga, commended the NADDC for its role in advancing research and infrastructure development. He noted that UNILAG, a pioneer in e-mobility, has developed and deployed two generations of electric campus shuttles since 2019 and now boasts a fully functional EV charging station. The competition’s success has sparked plans to expand the initiative to polytechnics and technical colleges, further broadening opportunities for Nigerian students to innovate in the automotive sector.
UNIBEN’s victory underscores the potential of Nigerian universities to lead in sustainable technology. The N5 million prize will support further research and development, positioning the university as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s journey towards a greener, locally driven automotive industry.
