NADDC closes design phase of electric shuttle bus competition, celebrates Nigeria’s future engineers

NADDC closes design phase of electric shuttle bus competition, celebrates Nigeria’s future engineers

 

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has completed the design phase of its pioneering 8-Seater Campus Shuttle Bus Competition.

The momentous ceremony held at the University of Lagos brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, and the industry to celebrate the innovation and ingenuity of future automobile engineers in 12 participating Nigerian universities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Director General at NADDC, Oluwemimo Osanipin,

commended the students and participating institutions for their dedication and vision.

Represented by Engr. Ayinde Abdullahi, Director of the Vehicle Electrification Department at the NADDC, Osanipin said the mission of the competition was not just about building a vehicle; it was to build capacity,

“We are equipping our engineering students with the mindset, skills, and structure needed to thrive in the fast-evolving global mobility sector,” he stated.

The project, launched as part of NADDC’s broader commitment to fostering local innovation and promoting sustainability in the automotive industry, tasked university teams with designing an electric shuttle bus suitable for campus use.

Each university formed multi-disciplinary teams, comprising 20 members—10 of them students— were charged with the task of producing a detailed project management plan document; a feasibility video and accompanying presentation; preliminary and holistic vehicle design files.

“These are not just checkboxes,” Osanipin declared, adding, “They are architectural plans that represent innovation, creative resilience, and future possibilities.”

Five universities that qualified for the final round and made presentations on their designs are Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, Federal University of Technology Owerri, University of Abuja, University of Benin and University of Lagos.

Submissions were assessed by a panel of judges representing academia, government, and the industry—ensuring a balanced evaluation of both technical sophistication and societal impact.

As the design phase draws to a close, NADDC is setting its sights on the next phase: physical development. Selected designs may proceed to construction, testing, and possible deployment across Nigerian university campuses.

“Today, we close the design phase. But tomorrow opens new doors to build, test, refine, and possibly deploy these solutions,” Osanipin said. “To our students: You are no longer just learners; you are leaders in the making.”

The event marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to localize the development of sustainable transport solutions, while empowering the next generation of engineers and innovators.

“To Nigeria: This is just the ignition; our engines of change are ready to run,” the NADDC DG stated.

He added, “May the spark ignited here fuel an entire ecosystem of excellence, sustainability, and mobility—Made in Nigeria, made for the world.”

UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, represented by Prof Solomon Okunuga, Director of the Research Management Office, expressed appreciation to the council for the initiative and kick-starting an innovation that could launch Nigeria into the globally recognised high-tech nations.

She urged all relevant groups to push forward the worthy outcomes of the design project and ensure adequate funding of the automobile engineering project.

Already, the VC said UNILAG was currently running electric bus shuttle on its campus.

With this initiative, NADDC continues to champion indigenous innovation, encouraging collaboration between academia and industry in driving forward Nigeria’s EV future.

Overall winner of the competition will be unveiled on Friday July 25 at a ceremony to be graced by high-ranking officials such as ministers of Industry Trade and Investment as well as that of Education, the Director-General of NADDC, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos. industry leaders, academia, mentors and students.