By Deborah Ezekiel, Abayomi Ogunleye, Deborah Adeko-jinadu and Blessing Unueroh
The Federal Ministry of Education has launched the Renewed Hope Campus Transport Scheme at the University of Lagos, marking a major step towards modernizing campus mobility and reducing transportation costs for students across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
The event, held at the Academic Publishing Centre, Akoka, featured the official handover of brand-new electric tricycles to the University.
The scheme was inaugurated by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, CON, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes student welfare, environmental sustainability, and innovative solutions to economic challenges.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Alausa announced that 240 e-tricycles and 12 solar-powered charging stations are being deployed across 12 public universities nationwide. Each institution including UNILAG will receive 20 e-tricycles and a solar-powered charging facility with battery storage to ensure uninterrupted operations, even off-grid. “The intervention is anchored on a core principle of the Renewed Hope Agenda: placing the welfare, comfort, and progress of Nigerian students at the centre of national development,” Dr. Alausa stated.
He further explained that the tricycles will be owned, operated and managed by each university’s Student Union Government (SUG). This model, he said, is designed to empower students to set affordable fares, generate revenue for maintenance, and develop hands-on leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
The initiative is projected to slash intra-campus transportation costs by up to 70 percent, easing the financial strain caused by the fuel subsidy removal.
Universities benefiting from the scheme include Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Bayero University, Kano; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; University of Maiduguri; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and the University of Port Harcourt, among others.
In addition to the e-tricycle deployment, the Minister announced federal approval for the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) at UNILAG, which will include a CNG station and a free vehicle-conversion centre to further advance clean-energy adoption on campus.
UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, FAS, OON, praised the initiative as a natural extension of the University’s Green UNILAG drive. She noted that the institution had earlier introduced electric buses launched in December 2024 which are projected to reduce carbon emissions by 120 metric tons by the end of this year.
“UNILAG will make the most of these critical investments. This initiative aligns seamlessly with our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable campus development.”
Representing the student body, President of the Faculty of Arts Students’ Association (FASA), Mr. Bolaji Akinpelu, delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Education, and the University Management for prioritizing student mobility and welfare.
He also urged the Minister, an alumnus of UNILAG to “return with more positive interventions.”
The launch, warmly received by students and staff, positions UNILAG at the forefront of an ambitious national effort to create greener, safer, and more affordable transportation systems in tertiary institutions.
With e-tricycles now set to begin operation, campus commuting is expected to become significantly smoother and more cost-effective.
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