The Federal Government has launched a new electric transport initiative to support students in public universities. The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, officially unveiled the E-Tricycle Deployment Programme at the University of Lagos, describing it as a step toward clean, affordable, and reliable movement for students. The Federal Government, through Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has procured 240 solar-powered electric tricycles, with two universities in each geopolitical zone receiving 20 units.
Dr Alausa stated that each Students Union Government will own and manage the tricycles to ensure low fares and long-term sustainability. During the event held under the Renewed Hope Transport Scheme, he declared that other beneficiary universities can begin operating the tricycles immediately. According to him, the tricycles are intended strictly for student use, although universities have the authority to organise deployment.
He urged vice-chancellors to make sure student unions receive a substantial number of the tricycles, explaining that they will provide commuting assistance across campuses. The minister added that the government plans to extend the programme further. He said the aim is for every tertiary institution to eventually receive units, noting that funds have already been included in the 2026 TetFund funding guidelines.
The beneficiary institutions include Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Bayero University, Kano, representing the North-West zone. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, were selected for the North-East. The University of Jos, Plateau State, and the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, benefited under the North-Central region.
In the South-East zone, the University of Nigeria, Nsuka, Enugu State, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, Anambra State, received their share. For the South-South region, the University of Benin, Edo State, and the University of Port Harcourt were selected. The South-West beneficiaries include the University of Lagos and Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State.
Dr Alausa maintained that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving transportation in Nigerian campuses and supporting students with innovative mobility solutions.
