FG Deploys 240 Solar-Powered Tricycles to Universities Under Renewed Hope Transport Scheme
By Emmanuel Daniji
The Federal Government has rolled out the Renewed Hope Campus Transport Scheme, deploying 240 solar-powered electric tricycles to 12 federal universities in a move aimed at easing transportation challenges and promoting clean mobility across campuses.
The initiative was unveiled at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, who said the project was a direct mandate from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions tailored to student needs.
“Mr President directed that we design solutions that are innovative, sustainable and responsive to the needs of our young people,” he noted.
Implemented through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), each beneficiary university received 20 electric tricycles alongside a solar-powered charging station. Echonews gathered that the tricycles will be operated by the Student Union Government (SUG) at subsidised rates to keep fares affordable while generating funds for maintenance and future expansion.
The 12 selected institutions cut across all six geopolitical zones, including UNILAG, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Benin, University of Jos and Ahmadu Bello University, among others. The scheme is expected to reduce transportation costs for students by more than 70 per cent, ease movement within campuses and promote zero-emission mobility.
Dr. Alausa also announced that additional units of the electric tricycles would be delivered under the 2026 TETFund intervention cycle. He disclosed that 2,000 university staff vehicles would undergo free CNG conversion, while an 11 MW solar mini-grid would be installed at UNILAG as part of broader sustainability plans.
UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, praised the initiative, describing it as a significant boost to the institution’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation.
With the Federal Ministry of Education officially flagging off full operations of the scheme, the government says it remains focused on strengthening student welfare, expanding clean energy adoption and driving innovation across the tertiary education sector.
