Lanre Shittu Motors backs NADDC’s electric shuttle bus design competition for Nigerian Universities

Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM), one of Nigeria’s foremost automotive companies, has thrown its weight behind the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC)’s groundbreaking competition aimed at fostering innovation in electric vehicle design.

The initiative focuses on designing and constructing 8-seater electric campus shuttle buses for 12 selected Nigerian universities.

The competition officially commenced last week with the commissioning of eight electric vehicle (EV) shuttle buses at the University of Lagos, attracting participation from students and academic representatives across the country.

The program is designed to run for six months, during which participating teams will conceptualize, design, and build functional electric shuttle buses suited for Nigeria’s terrain and transportation needs.

As part of its support, LSM is not only sponsoring the initiative but has also provided a technical expert to serve on the competition’s panel of jurors.

The panel consists of industry professionals, academics, and NADDC officials tasked with evaluating the progress and final designs submitted by the teams.

LSM’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment and Innovation

Speaking on LSM’s involvement, the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Taiwo Shittu, expressed his excitement about the competition and reiterated the company’s dedication to nurturing young automotive talents in Nigeria.

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“We, as a company, strongly believe in supporting and encouraging young minds that have a keen interest in the automotive industry,” Shittu stated.

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“This competition aligns perfectly with our long-standing commitment to youth empowerment and capacity building in the auto sector. It is also our way of backing NADDC’s initiative in nurturing local talents and promoting innovation in Nigeria’s automotive industry.”

Shittu further emphasized that beyond the competition, LSM has been actively involved in training and developing young engineers through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

These programs are aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the evolving automotive sector.

Participating Universities and Broader Impact

Twelve universities from different geopolitical zones of Nigeria have been selected to take part in the competition. The participating institutions include: Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto; Modibbo Adama University, Yola; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; University of Abuja; University of Ilorin; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Federal University of Technology, Owerri; University of Benin; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife; University of Lagos; University of Port Harcourt

NADDC’s Vision for the Future

During the commissioning event at the University of Lagos, NADDC’s Director General, Mr. Joseph Osanipin, reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to ensuring the competition’s success and transforming innovative ideas into practical, real-world solutions.

“This competition is about turning ideas into reality,” Osanipin remarked. “We are challenging the Nigerian university community to dream big and push the boundaries of innovation. Our goal is to not just end this initiative at the design stage but to also collaborate with key industry players to bring these ideas to life.”

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He further stated that NADDC plans to extend similar collaborations to polytechnics and technical schools, ensuring a more inclusive approach to Nigeria’s growing automotive industry.

Industry Experts and Stakeholder Support

NADDC’s Director of Vehicle Electrification, Engr. A.N Ayinde, highlighted that the competition would introduce students to global best practices in electric vehicle production, positioning them for key roles in the industry’s future.

Adding to the support for the initiative, Senior Vice President of Oando Clean Energy, Mr. Adeyemi Adebajo, reiterated his company’s commitment to promoting sustainable transportation solutions in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of balancing environmental, economic, and societal needs to achieve sustainable mobility in the country.

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Similarly, a lecturer from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Ozoemena Ani, lauded the competition and expressed the academic community’s readiness to collaborate with NADDC and industry stakeholders to develop indigenous automotive solutions.

With this initiative, NADDC and its industry partners, including LSM, are setting the stage for a new era in Nigeria’s automotive sector, one driven by local innovation, sustainable solutions, and a commitment to empowering the next generation of engineers and designers.