NADDC, Bayero University Strengthen Collaboration to Advance EV, CNG Innovation

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing automotive technology and clean transportation in Nigeria as it strengthened its partnership with Bayero University, Kano (BUK) on electric vehicle (EV) and compressed natural gas (CNG) technologies.

The renewed collaboration was the focus of a courtesy visit by a high-level delegation from Bayero University to the Council's headquarters in Abuja on Monday. The delegation was led by the University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Development.

The meeting centred on enhancing the utilisation of the NADDC Electric Vehicle Charging Station and the Compressed Natural Gas Conversion Centre previously established by the Council at Bayero University as part of efforts to promote research, innovation and practical engineering education.

Speaking during the visit, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Council for selecting Bayero University as one of the beneficiaries of the intervention, describing the project as a significant boost to the institution's engineering programmes.

She noted that the University's Department of Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Engineering Programme provide a suitable environment for the facilities, adding that they would strengthen teaching, research, innovation and hands-on learning for students.

According to her, Bayero University is committed to becoming one of Nigeria's leading institutions, and strategic partnerships with organisations such as the NADDC will help accelerate that vision through improved infrastructure and greater opportunities for practical learning.

To further enhance the impact of the project, the University requested that the Council upgrade the EV charging station to support electric cars, tricycles and motorcycles, noting that electric and CNG-powered vehicles are gradually becoming an important part of Nigeria's transportation system.

The University also proposed the establishment of a standard automobile maintenance workshop at the centre to complement existing facilities and improve technical training.

In addition, Bayero University urged the Council to designate the institution as a regional NADDC training centre for engineering schools across Northern Nigeria, while also calling for stronger collaboration between the University and the Council's automotive centres to expand Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) placements and practical training opportunities.

The University stressed that its objective is to move beyond classroom-based instruction by equipping students with practical skills, innovation and entrepreneurial capacity needed to compete in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.

Responding, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Otunba Oluwemimo Osanipin welcomed the delegation and commended the University's commitment to deepening collaboration with the Council.

He described the partnership as a strategic initiative that will support automotive research, technological innovation, skills development and human capital growth within Nigeria's automotive sector.

The meeting ended with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to expanding research, practical engineering education and innovation while supporting Nigeria's transition to cleaner and more sustainable transportation through electric vehicle and compressed natural gas technologies.