The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is set to revolutionize mobility within Nigerian higher institutions with the introduction of electric campus shuttles across 12 selected universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide. The project, which is expected to kick off in November 2025, marks a major stride toward clean energy adoption, green innovation, and student-centered development in the nation’s education sector.
🌍 A Bold Step Toward Sustainable Campus Mobility
Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, revealed that the new electric shuttles are part of the agency’s broader commitment to enhance infrastructure and promote eco-friendly solutions within tertiary institutions.
The electric vehicles (EVs) will be deployed on campuses to ease transportation for students and staff, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote sustainability. According to Echono, the shuttles will also be student-managed, giving learners hands-on experience in leadership, accountability, and innovation-driven service delivery.
He emphasized that the project aims to reduce transportation stress and cost, especially for students who commute daily between hostels, lecture halls, laboratories, and libraries.
“We want to make our campuses greener, smarter, and more efficient. By deploying electric shuttles, we are not only solving a transportation challenge but also aligning with the global movement toward renewable energy and environmental sustainability,” Echono explained.
⚡ How the TETFund Electric Shuttle Project Will Work
Under the pilot phase, 12 tertiary institutions will receive fleets of fully electric shuttle buses designed for campus use. The shuttles will operate on dedicated routes within the institutions, ensuring safe, affordable, and efficient movement for students and staff.
To support the vehicles, TETFund will install solar-powered charging stations within each campus. This infrastructure will guarantee sustainable energy supply even in areas with unstable electricity.
Each participating institution will also receive:
- Charging and maintenance centers strategically located within the school.
- Technical training for students who will handle daily operations, maintenance, and monitoring.
- Tracking systems to ensure transparency and efficiency in operations.
- Affordable shuttle fares, designed to make transportation accessible to all students.
The student-management model will empower learners to take ownership of the system — from scheduling to payment systems — thereby encouraging innovation and responsibility among the youth.
🏫 Why This Project Matters for Nigerian Campuses
Transportation remains one of the biggest challenges for many Nigerian tertiary institutions, especially those with large campuses or limited internal transport systems. Students often walk long distances under harsh weather conditions or pay high fares for commercial rides.
TETFund’s electric shuttle project seeks to address these issues head-on by:
✅ Providing affordable and reliable on-campus mobility.
✅ Reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.
✅ Creating student employment and leadership opportunities.
✅ Encouraging technological adoption and innovation.
✅ Supporting Nigeria’s broader transition to renewable energy.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s green energy policies and the global push for clean transportation alternatives.
🔋 A Step Toward Nigeria’s Electric Vehicle Future
This electric campus shuttle rollout also reflects Nigeria’s gradual shift toward electric mobility. While the country’s EV ecosystem is still in its infancy, TETFund’s decision to pioneer electric transport on campuses could serve as a national model for future adoption.
Experts believe the move will open opportunities for research, partnerships, and training between universities and the private energy sector. It could also inspire more institutions to embrace renewable energy solutions such as solar-powered systems, energy-efficient lighting, and smart infrastructure.
🏗️ TETFund’s Ongoing Efforts to Transform Tertiary Education
The shuttle project is just one component of TETFund’s comprehensive plan to improve the learning environment in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The Fund is also investing heavily in:
- Modern lecture theatres and laboratories.
- Student hostels and digital learning centers.
- Smart classrooms and e-learning facilities.
- Solar energy installations and sustainable power solutions.
TETFund’s initiatives are aimed at bridging infrastructure gaps, improving access to education, and ensuring that Nigeria’s higher institutions compete globally in terms of quality and innovation.
🧠 Student Empowerment and Capacity Building
A key highlight of this project is its student-led management framework. Instead of outsourcing operations to external contractors, TETFund wants the students themselves to manage the system.
This approach will expose them to real-world challenges in logistics, business management, and sustainable technology. By training students to operate, maintain, and oversee the shuttles, TETFund hopes to build capacity in renewable energy and mobility management.
It will also create small income streams for those directly involved, helping to empower undergraduates financially while they gain practical experience.
🗓️ Project Timeline and Future Expansion
The first phase of the electric shuttle project is scheduled to begin in November 2025, with 12 tertiary institutions selected for the pilot program. Although TETFund has not publicly disclosed the names of these schools, selection is expected to consider factors such as campus size, infrastructure readiness, and student population.
If the pilot phase proves successful, the project will be expanded to more institutions across Nigeria in 2026 and beyond.
TETFund is also working in partnership with local and international partners specializing in electric mobility, battery technology, and renewable energy solutions to ensure sustainability.
💬 What Experts Are Saying
Education analysts and sustainability advocates have hailed the initiative as a “game-changing move” for Nigerian tertiary institutions. According to them, the combination of green innovation, student empowerment, and infrastructure development could transform the daily lives of millions of students across the country.
Environmental experts also believe that the initiative will reduce the carbon footprint of tertiary institutions and encourage broader climate-conscious practices in Nigerian education.
🌱 The Bigger Picture
TETFund’s electric shuttle program represents more than just transportation reform — it’s a signal that Nigeria’s education sector is ready to embrace the future. With solar energy powering the vehicles, students managing operations, and technology driving efficiency, this is a glimpse of what a modern, sustainable Nigerian campus could look like.
If implemented successfully, the project could become a model for Africa, showing how education, technology, and sustainability can work hand in hand to create a better learning environment.
