The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, has taken a significant step in technological innovation by developing an electric automated tricycle.
The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Mukail Akinde, announced on Friday that the institution plans to establish a mini assembly plant to mass-produce this groundbreaking invention.
During an inspection of the tricycle by the institution’s Governing Council, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Garba Gashua, and representatives from the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Dr. Akinde appealed to the Federal Government and corporate organizations, particularly those in the manufacturing sector, to support the Polytechnic’s commitment to bringing this innovation to commercial production.
Dr. Akinde highlighted the potential impact of the tricycle’s commercial production on the Nigerian economy, noting that it would “reduce the pressure on our foreign exchange and boost job opportunities for our teeming youths.”
He further emphasized that the successful commercialisation of the tricycle could reduce the reliance on imports, thereby strengthening the nation’s economy.
“My expectation now is to see how we can take the tricycle to the industry. Let me also tell you that this is just the prototype, the main design will contain three people; the rider and two other people at the back,” Dr. Akinde explained.
He also revealed plans for the tricycle to feature a solar-powered panel for charging, enhancing its sustainability and appeal.
The Rector’s vision extends beyond just producing a prototype. He is keen on establishing a mini assembly plant capable of producing at least ten tricycles, with the goal of having three operational tricycles on the Polytechnic campus by the next season.
“If we cannot produce this tricycle in commercial quantity, it means that we shall be importing it, and this will pile more pressure on our exchange rate,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of securing partnerships and funding to bring the project to fruition.
The innovation has already garnered significant support from the Polytechnic’s Governing Council. Alhaji Gashua expressed his admiration for the invention, noting that he personally experienced the tricycle’s performance during a ride from the innovation center to the administrative complex.
He praised the Polytechnic for sourcing almost all the materials locally and emphasized the need for Federal Government assistance to expand the project.
“We surely need Federal government assistance for this polytechnic so that they can expand the scope of this machine. We don’t have the funds, but we shall go beg the Federal government to come to our aid,” Alhaji Gashua asserted, highlighting the financial challenges the institution faces in scaling up production.
The Director of Vehicle Electrification at NADDC, Mr. Ayinde Abdullahi, also commended the initiative and noted that the completion of several raw materials companies by the Federal Government would significantly boost local production in the automobile industry.
The Director of the Innovation Centre, Jide Soyemi, provided insight into the Centre’s role in nurturing technological advancements. Established three years ago, the Innovation Centre focuses on exposing students to cutting-edge technologies not covered in the traditional curriculum, including Artificial Intelligence, robotics, drone making, and portable inverters for micro-businesses.
Soyemi proudly noted that students contributed over 80 percent of the effort in developing the new electric tricycle, showcasing the hands-on learning environment fostered at the Centre.
As the Polytechnic seeks further support to realize its vision of mass-producing the electric tricycle, this innovation stands as a testament to the potential within Nigeria’s educational institutions to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s technological and economic development.
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