- The Federal Government deploys electric tricycles across universities to enhance student mobility and reduce transportation costs.
- Solar-powered charging stations accompany the electric tricycles to promote the use of clean energy and sustainable campus transportation.
The Federal Government has launched a nationwide initiative to deploy 240 electric tricycles and twelve solar-powered charging stations across selected public universities. This project marks a significant step towards cleaner and more affordable transportation in Nigeria’s higher institutions. The scheme receives funding through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and forms part of a broader strategy to improve student mobility. It also aims to reduce reliance on petrol-powered vehicles.
Officials formally inaugurated the initiative at the University of Lagos. Government representatives described it as a practical intervention that supports students under ongoing national development plans. Although Lagos hosted the first phase, authorities have not yet released the complete list of universities that will participate. Nevertheless, the programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to sustainable mobility and student welfare.
According to the government, the electric tricycles will ease movement across expansive campuses. They will also lower transportation costs for students facing rising living expenses. Each Students’ Union Government will manage the vehicles. This approach ensures that fares remain affordable, services operate efficiently, and the assets remain sustainable. Additionally, solar-powered charging stations will promote responsible energy use, reduce carbon emissions, and encourage a shift toward clean mobility solutions within university environments.
Officials emphasised that the project aligns with a broader effort to modernise transportation in higher education. It reduces dependence on fossil fuels while addressing environmental goals. The initiative also provides practical relief to students who often struggle to move around large campuses. Authorities stated that more universities may join the programme in later phases. This will allow the clean-transportation model to expand nationwide as it demonstrates tangible results.
The electric tricycle deployment links directly to Project SPROUT, an earlier initiative under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas programme. Project SPROUT utilises natural-gas-powered buses and tricycles to reduce transport costs, enhance safety, and lower emissions. Together, electric vehicles, solar charging stations, and CNG-powered transport form a comprehensive framework. This framework delivers cleaner, more sustainable mobility in tertiary institutions.
While the complete list of participating universities remains pending, these programs demonstrate the government’s commitment to modern, eco-friendly transportation solutions. They provide students with reliable mobility, reduce pollution, and showcase early adoption of clean energy technologies in Nigeria’s education sector.