By Ebedi Deborah Orowho
In the grand finale of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) competition that took place on July 24, at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Benin emerged as the overall winner and earned a grand prize of N5 million. The following universities also made it to the final stage of the competition: University of Benin, Federal University of Technology (FUTO), University of Abuja, University of Lagos, and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ABTU).
On March 6, the National Automotive Design and Development (NADDC) began a competition for the Best 8 Seater Electric Vehicle (EV) Campus Shuttle Bus Design. The contest was between 12 universities across Nigeria and they include: University of Abuja, University of Nigeria, University of Benin (UNIBEN), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Modibbo Adama University of Technology and Usmanu Danfodiyo University.
Each university had a team made up of 20 people, consisting of both lecturers and students, technicians and industry personnels. UNIBEN’s team was supervised by Prof. Osarobo Ighodaro while a student from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mr. Emmanuel Ikegwuonu made the presentation. One of the criterias that guaranteed their success was the use of local resources in their invention.
UNIBEN’s victory at the NADDC competition showcases the university’s innovative strength and commitment to sustainable, locally driven solutions. It stands as a proud moment for the institution and a step forward for Nigeria’s future in clean energy and mobility.