The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has once again demonstrated its leading role in advancing Nigeria’s industrial and technological future as it hosted the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, in a landmark event themed “Driving Innovation, Inspiring Hope.” The visit, which marked a major milestone in university-industry collaboration, showcased Nigeria’s growing potential in local automobile manufacturing and innovation-driven education.
Minister Jumoke Oduwole Visits UNILAG in Grand Style
In what many described as a “homecoming,” Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, a proud alumna and former lecturer at the University of Lagos Faculty of Law, returned to her alma mater to witness firsthand the remarkable achievements of the institution in advancing innovation and industrialization.
The Minister officially received her official vehicle, a Nord Demir SUV, which was assembled at the Nord Automobile Assembly Plant located right inside UNILAG’s Akoka campus. This moment symbolized Nigeria’s renewed commitment to promoting made-in-Nigeria vehicles and supporting indigenous industries.
UNILAG’s Partnership with Nord Automobile: A Game-Changer for Local Manufacturing
The UNILAG–Nord Automobile partnership, established in 2022, stands as the first university-based automobile assembly plant in Africa — a groundbreaking model that blends academic research, hands-on learning, and real industrial production.
Through this partnership, students from the Faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, and Sciences gain direct exposure to modern automobile manufacturing processes, assembly line technology, and design thinking. This collaboration bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, producing graduates ready to thrive in Nigeria’s growing automotive industry.
The plant currently assembles up to five vehicles daily, with expansion plans already in progress. The vehicles produced are 100% made in Nigeria, from assembly to finishing, reflecting the University’s contribution to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
Promoting Made-in-Nigeria Vehicles and National Industrial Growth
Dr. Oduwole’s decision to receive a locally assembled official car signifies more than a ceremonial gesture—it represents the government’s unwavering support for the Made-in-Nigeria initiative. By choosing a Nigerian-assembled vehicle over imported alternatives, the Minister sets a powerful example for public officials and organizations to follow.
This move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes industrial development, job creation, and the promotion of local content in manufacturing. The Nord–UNILAG collaboration directly contributes to this agenda by creating employment opportunities, transferring technical knowledge, and stimulating the Nigerian economy.
Driving Innovation and Inspiring Hope Through Education
UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, expressed deep pride in the University’s role in shaping Nigeria’s industrial landscape. She highlighted how partnerships like this empower students to become creators and innovators rather than job seekers.
According to her, the Nord assembly plant has transformed how engineering and technical education are taught at UNILAG. Students now work alongside professionals to design, assemble, and test vehicles, giving them real-world skills that can drive the future of the Nigerian auto industry.
This initiative perfectly captures the theme “Driving Innovation, Inspiring Hope”, reinforcing UNILAG’s identity as a center of excellence that combines education, research, and entrepreneurship to tackle national challenges.
Economic and Industrial Impact of the UNILAG–Nord Partnership
The implications of this project extend far beyond the university walls. The Nord Automobile Assembly Plant at UNILAG strengthens Nigeria’s industrial base and supports technology transfer, youth empowerment, and national self-reliance.
Some of the major benefits include:
- Job Creation: The plant provides employment opportunities for students, technicians, and support staff, both within and outside the university.
- Technology Transfer: It serves as a model for how Nigerian institutions can adopt and adapt modern manufacturing technologies.
- Local Content Development: Encourages the use of local materials and components, fostering the growth of SMEs and suppliers in the automotive value chain.
- Research and Development: UNILAG researchers collaborate with Nord engineers to explore innovations in electric vehicles (EVs), green energy, and smart mobility systems.
- Education-Industry Integration: Students gain hands-on experience that enhances employability and nurtures future inventors and industrial leaders.
Minister Oduwole’s Message: Innovation Is the Future
In her speech, Minister Jumoke Oduwole commended UNILAG and Nord for setting a new benchmark in innovation and industrial collaboration. She described the experience as deeply inspiring, emphasizing that the success of the made-in-Nigeria vehicle project proves that Nigerians can create world-class products when given the right environment and support.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting similar initiatives across the country, urging other universities to follow UNILAG’s model by partnering with the private sector to drive research, innovation, and production.
According to her, “This is not just about cars; it’s about hope, creativity, and the belief that our young people can lead Africa’s industrial transformation.”
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While this milestone is a remarkable achievement, sustaining it requires continuous investment and policy support.
Some of the key challenges that may arise include:
- Maintaining consistent funding and supply chains for local production.
- Ensuring quality control and competitiveness with imported brands.
- Strengthening research infrastructure for innovation in electric mobility.
- Encouraging more private sector partnerships across other universities.
Nevertheless, with UNILAG’s strong academic foundation and Nord’s industrial expertise, the initiative is well positioned to become a national model of innovation-driven development.
UNILAG Leading the Future of Education and Technology
The University of Lagos has long been recognized as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions for excellence in education, research, and technological advancement. This partnership cements UNILAG’s position as a trailblazer in industrial innovation and entrepreneurship among Nigerian universities.
As UNILAG continues to champion collaborations with industries, the institution reinforces its vision of producing graduates who are problem solvers, inventors, and innovators capable of driving sustainable national development.
Conclusion: A Landmark Moment for Nigeria’s Industrial Future
The visit of Minister Jumoke Oduwole to UNILAG and the commissioning of the made-in-Nigeria Nord Demir SUV represent a turning point in Nigeria’s journey toward industrialization. It is a symbol of what can be achieved through synergy between education, innovation, and government policy.
By inspiring hope and driving innovation, UNILAG has shown that universities can go beyond academics to become key players in economic transformation, technology advancement, and industrial growth. This event will be remembered as a defining moment in Nigeria’s path toward self-reliance, creativity, and technological independence.
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