FG Launches Electric Tricycles for UNILAG Students

By Kehinde Balogun

The federal government has launched the Renewed Hope Campus Transport Scheme for the students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Speaking at the unveiling on Monday, December 1, 2025, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the minister for education, said the initiative is aimed at providing affordable and sustainable transportation for students in 12 universities across the country.

The minister said that 240 electric tricycles will be distributed among the 12 benefiting institutions, two in each geopolitical zone.

The benefiting universities are UNILAG, Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, University of Benin, University of Maiduguri, University of Jos,  and the University of Ilorin.

Others include the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nnmadi Azikwe University, University of Port Harcourt, and Obafemi Awolowo University.

The tricycles are solar-powered and will be managed by the student union of each university, with the aim of providing affordable transportation to students and generating revenue for maintenance and expansion of the service.

Alausa stated that the initiative is part of the government’s commitment to promoting green energy innovation, while reducing the financial burden on students.

The minister noted that the initiative is part of the government’s larger agenda of energy transition, moving away from fossil fuels to more clean energy, adding that the scheme is also aimed at providing support to the youth.

“The youth are the heartbeat of this country, and we’re targeting our tertiary institutions to provide better environments for them to learn, grow, and contribute to society,” he said.

The FG also revealed the plan to deploy compressed natural gas replacement centres to several tertiary institutions, including UNILAG and the University of Abuja.

He announced that the FG plans to construct a CNG station and a mini solar grid at the UNILAG campus, as part of its efforts to promote sustainable energy and reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.

President of the Faculty of Arts, Akinpelu Bolaji expressed gratitude to the minister and the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG Prof. Folashade Ogunsola on the initiative.

“We see this gesture as a meaningful investment in student welfare, mobility, and safety,” he said. “This tricycle is cheaper, thanks to the solar charging system,” he said.