The University of Lagos, UNILAG, has showcased its growing role in Nigeria’s industrial and educational advancement after it played host to the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Olajumoke Oduwole, MFR.
In a ceremony coinciding with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, Dr. Oduwole, an alumna and former lecturer of the institution’s Faculty of Law, officially received her new ministerial vehicle, a Nord Demir SUV assembled at the Nord UNILAG Assembly Plant.
She stressed that patronage of locally made vehicles would strengthen foreign exchange reserves, expand job opportunities, and deepen research and innovation within Nigerian universities.
The Minister also highlighted that one of the Tinubu administration’s notable achievements in its first two years is the stabilisation of the national economy, a goal that aligns with UNILAG’s innovative partnerships.
“This is a testament to supporting the Nigeria-First Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are committed to helping Nigerian businesses scale across the country, the African continent, and beyond,” she noted.
On her part, UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, described the moment as “a fulfilment of vision,” reflecting the university’s resolve to place industry-driven innovation at the heart of its academic mission.
Professor Ogunsola, who was represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Professor Bola Oboh, said the internship opportunity at Nord is open not only to engineering students but also to students from other disciplines.
According to her, the Minister’s choice of a vehicle assembled “right on the soil of her alma mater” is a motivation for many Nigerians “to dream out loud and believe in the limitless possibilities that abound in Nigeria for Nigerians.”
The Nord UNILAG Assembly Plant, launched in July 2022, is the first university-based automobile assembly hub in Africa. Beyond vehicle production, it integrates hands-on learning for students across disciplines, internships, and exposure to emerging technologies such as electric vehicle and drone manufacturing.
Currently, the plant has the capacity to assemble five vehicles on campus, blending education with industrial-scale innovation.
To conclude the event, the Minister, accompanied by UNILAG management, toured the facility, which includes the research and development wing, manufacturing workshop, and showroom.