“It is not only symbolic, but inspirational that one of our own, who once studied and taught here, has returned as a minister to receive a vehicle assembled by UNILAG students on our soil. This sends a message that with knowledge and innovation, Nigerians can dream and achieve big”
The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Olajumoke Oduwole, said she chose a Nord Demir, assembled at the University of Lagos Assembly Plant, as her new official vehicle to boost local industry, create jobs, support education, and demonstrate that Nigerian institutions can deliver world-class solutions.
A statement by UNILAG on Friday said the Minister, an alumna of UNILAG’s Faculty of Law and former lecturer at the institution, returned to her alma mater for what she described as a “homecoming of purpose.”
“This car is more than a mode of transport; it is a symbol of faith in Nigeria. I chose UNILAG because this partnership boosts local industry, creates jobs, supports education, and proves that our institutions can deliver world-class innovation. I will drive it with pride in Abuja and on official engagements,” Dr. Oduwole said after turning the ignition of the locally assembled vehicle.
The Minister explained that the decision was not just about patronising a local brand but about aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasised industrialisation and economic stability.
“This is a practical demonstration of the Nigeria-First Initiative of Mr. President. By choosing this car, we are promoting research, encouraging innovation, and showing our young people that they can build solutions the world will respect,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Prof. Bola Oboh, hailed the Minister’s choice as a historic affirmation of UNILAG’s role in bridging academia and industry.
“It is not only symbolic but inspirational that one of our own, who once studied and taught here, has returned as a minister to receive a vehicle assembled by UNILAG students on our soil. This sends a message that with knowledge and innovation, Nigerians can dream and achieve big,” Oboh said.
The Minister was also conducted on a tour of the Nord Automobile facilities at UNILAG, including the assembly line, research and development unit, and showroom.
Since its establishment in July 2022, the UNILAG–Nord partnership has remained Africa’s first university-based automobile assembly plant, producing up to five vehicles and offering cross-disciplinary internship opportunities.
Students gain hands-on experience in automobile manufacturing, as well as exposure to emerging technologies such as electric vehicles and drone assembly.
For UNILAG, the milestone reaffirmed its identity as “the University of First Choice and the Nation’s Pride.”
For Dr Oduwole, it was the completion of a circle — from student to lecturer, to minister — and now, an advocate for Nigerian-made solutions.
The statement added, “As she drove away in her Nord Demir, one message stood out: Nigeria’s future will not be imported. It will be built here, by Nigerians, for Nigerians.”
SOURCE – The PUNCH
