In a pivotal initiative aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s automotive sector and advancing green energy solutions, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Joseph Osanipin, led a delegation on a working visit to Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) on the 18th of September 2024.
The focus of this visit was to explore potential partnership in electric vehicle development and the conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered Vehicles.
Osanipin and his team received a warm welcome from Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), the founder of ABUAD, along with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olarinde Elisabeta Smaranda, and other senior management members.
The visit included a comprehensive tour of ABUAD’s advanced Mechatronics Engineering Department, guided by Associate Professor Oluwafemi Onibonoje, showcasing the institution’s commitment to cutting-edge engineering education.
The delegation also explored the ABUAD Industrial Parks, with insights provided by the University’s Director of Works, Engr. Adesanmi Aladejana. These facilities are integral to the University’s vision of promoting, innovation and practical application of engineering principles.
In his address, Aare Afe Babalola emphasized the necessity of technical partnerships between academic institutions and government agencies, asserting that such collaborations are vital for national development.
“The journey to establishing ABUAD was grounded in a vision of transforming education and fostering innovation in Nigeria. By working closely with agency like NADDC, we can accelerate the nation’s industrial growth and promote sustainable automotive technologies,” he stated.
NADDC DG expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended by ABUAD and acknowledged the University’s significant role in driving technological advancements. He reaffirmed the NADDC’s commitment to fostering local production of automotive components that will meet international standards.
“This collaboration with ABUAD is strategic, especially in promoting electric mobility and converting vehicles to CNG. Both initiatives are critical to reducing carbon emissions and aligning with global environmental goals,” he remarked.
Other notable attendees from ABUAD’s management team, were the University Bursar, Pastor Dupe Babalola; the Director of International Collaboration and Linkages, Professor Afolalu, the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Tunde Olofintila, among others.
The NADDC plays a crucial role in facilitating the development of Nigeria’s automotive industry, focusing on local production and sustainability. This partnership with ABUAD signifies a step forward in Nigeria’s ambition to innovate and transit to a more sustainable automotive sector, that will enhance the nation’s economic and environmental landscape.
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