The Federal Government, on Tuesday, flagged off the Renewed Hope Campus Transport Scheme, a nationwide clean-mobility initiative aimed at easing movement for students across federal universities.
The programme, launched at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), will see the deployment of 240 solar-powered electric tricycles and 12 charging stations to improve campus transportation and reduce costs.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the initiative was a direct mandate from President Bola Tinubu to design innovative and sustainable solutions that address students’ daily challenges.
“Mr President directed that we design solutions that are innovative, sustainable and responsive to the needs of our young people”, he stated.
Implemented through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), each beneficiary institution received 20 solar-powered e-tricycles and a charging station. The tricycles will be operated by the Student Union Governments at reduced fares to guarantee affordability while generating revenue for maintenance and future expansion.
The first phase covers 12 federal universities representing all six geopolitical zones, including UNILAG, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Benin; University of Jos; and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The new transport system is projected to cut student commuting costs by more than 70 percent while advancing the government’s zero-emission mobility agenda.
Dr Alausa also disclosed that more tricycles will be rolled out under the TETFund 2026 cycle. Additional interventions include free CNG conversions for 2,000 vehicles owned by university staff nationwide and the installation of an 11MW solar mini-grid to boost UNILAG’s power supply.
UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, commended the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution to the institution’s commitment to green energy and sustainable transportation.
The Federal Ministry of Education said the programme’s rollout underscores the administration’s dedication to enhancing student welfare, promoting innovation, and strengthening environmentally friendly infrastructure across tertiary institutions.
