The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, has announced its latest invention—a fully electric automated tricycle. This innovation was unveiled by the institution’s Rector, Dr. Mukail Akinde, during a visit by the Governing Council, led by Chairman Alhaji Garba Gashua, and the National Automotive Design and Development Council to the polytechnic’s innovation center.
Dr. Akinde revealed that the polytechnic plans to establish a mini assembly plant to produce the electric tricycle on an industrial scale. He appealed to the Federal Government and corporate organizations, particularly those in the manufacturing sector, to support the institution’s efforts to achieve commercial production of this groundbreaking invention.
The Rector emphasized that mass production of the tricycle would significantly reduce transportation costs, ease pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange, and create job opportunities for the country’s youth.
The Ilaro Polytechnic has distinguished itself as the first institution to produce this type of electric tricycle, which was both designed and assembled at its innovation center. Dr. Akinde urged the Federal Government to provide additional funding to the polytechnic to further enhance research and development.
He explained that the current model is just a prototype and that the final design will accommodate three people: the rider and two passengers. The tricycle will also feature a solar-powered panel for charging, and unlike existing models, it will have the capability to reverse.
Dr. Akinde expressed optimism about the project’s future, stating that the institution plans to produce three more tricycles for use on campus by the next season. He also called for partnerships with industry players like Innoson to help bring the innovation to market on a commercial scale, stressing that without local production, the country would be forced to import such tricycles, exacerbating the pressure on the exchange rate.
