The Federal Government on Tuesday launched the Renewed Hope Campus Transport Scheme, deploying 240 solar-powered electric tricycles to 12 federal universities as part of efforts to ease transportation challenges and promote clean, affordable mobility for students.
The programme was officially inaugurated at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, who said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the ministry to design “innovative, sustainable and responsive solutions” that directly address the needs of young Nigerians.
“This initiative is a direct instruction from Mr President. He wants practical solutions that support our students, reduce their daily burden and promote sustainability,” the minister said.
Under the scheme, implemented through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), each of the 12 universities received 20 solar-powered tricycles and one charging station. The tricycles will be operated by the Student Union Governments at subsidised fares to guarantee affordability while generating revenue for maintenance and future expansion.
The beneficiary institutions span the six geopolitical zones and include the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Benin, University of Jos, and Ahmadu Bello University, among others.
According to the ministry, the scheme is expected to reduce student transport costs by over 70 per cent, improve campus mobility and strengthen the nation’s transition toward zero-emission transportation.
At the event, Dr Alausa announced that more tricycles would be added in the TETFund 2026 intervention cycle, alongside free compressed natural gas (CNG) conversions for 2,000 university staff vehicles and the installation of an 11 MW solar mini-grid at UNILAG to support renewable energy use.
UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, commended the initiative, describing it as a major step toward enhancing green mobility and improving student welfare on campus.
The ministry said the official flag-off signals the commencement of full operations across all designated universities, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable innovation and student support.
