- Kwara State University has unveiled four electric buses and one CNG-converted car to address Nigeria’s fuel price hike and promote sustainable energy.
- The university has partnered with two Chinese firms to produce customised conversion kits and is training engineers to expand CNG and electric vehicle conversions.
Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has launched four buses converted into electric vehicles and one car retrofitted with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines. The initiative aims to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices in Nigeria and is part of the university’s broader effort to promote sustainable energy solutions.
The university has partnered with two Chinese companies, Zhejiang Sinray Electronics Limited and Jiaxing Keyuan Electronics Limited, to produce customised, high-quality conversion kits for the university’s projects and the broader Nigerian market. This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will help ensure the conversion kits’ affordability and quality.
Professor Luqman Jimoh, Vice Chancellor of KWASU, shared details of the initiative during a press briefing in Ilorin. He explained that the university’s **Center for Sustainable Energy** played a crucial role in converting the buses from petrol to CNG and electric engines, with support from qualified engineers.
He also mentioned that the Governor of Kwara State had commended the university’s efforts and promised to support future initiatives. Following this, the state government facilitated further partnerships with ministries, including the Ministry of Business and Innovation, which provided three additional buses for conversion into electric vehicles.
In addition to the conversions, the university has retrofitted a Toyota Hilux car to run on CNG. This is part of a broader effort, including plans to convert up to 22 Kwara Express buses to electric engines. These developments align with Nigeria’s increasing need for alternative energy sources amid soaring fuel prices.
Professor Jimoh highlighted that these conversion efforts are helping the university lead the way in alternative energy solutions, allowing people to choose between petrol, CNG, or electric-powered vehicles. He also emphasised that training engineers on CNG technology is a priority, with several KWASU engineers being sent abroad to gain further expertise.
Mr. Abdulazeez Akande, Chief Technologist in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, spoke about the environmental and economic benefits of the conversions, noting that carbon emissions from vehicles significantly contribute to ozone depletion. He also pointed out that CNG offers a cost-effective alternative, providing up to 80% savings compared to traditional petrol fuel.
With this innovative approach, KWASU is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria. It contributes to environmental protection and reduces transportation costs for the public.