A solar-powered electric vehicle charging station at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has been inaugurated by the Nigerian Government.
This forms part of the efforts of the Federal government to reduce the use of fossil fuel vehicles that pollute the environment and contribute to global warming.
The Director General, National Automative Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Jelani Aliyu, at the event averred that the idea of the charging station was to deepen technological advancement in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
Aliyu noted that the effects of global warming and climate change on the environment has now prompted a shift from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles by many countries.
“This informs the reason the NADDC, an agency in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, is sponsored by the government to build electric vehicle charging stations powered by solar across the country.
“The aim is to ensure zero per cent carbon emission in our environment as well as reduce health problems associated with it,” he said.
Aliyu who was represented by the NADDC Director of Infrastructure, Olarawaju Omusanya, revealed that Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, University of Lagos and UNN were three universities selected for the pilot project of solar powered charging electric vehicle stations.
“The Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto and University of Lagos were inaugurated in 2021. NADDC encourages universities in the country to utilise this opportunity by stimulating further research and development of this project,” he said.
The DG promised that the council would strive in its bid to promote advanced technology transfer and development of human capital.
The UNN Coordinator of the project, Prof. Ozomena Ani, praised the vice chancellor of the University for approving the project while also allowing him to coordinate the project in the university.
