The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, EKSU, Ado-Ekiti, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has described the newly established Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, and Electric Vehicle, EV, Centre at the university as a landmark project that will position EKSU at the forefront of Nigeria’s renewable energy revolution.
Professor Ayodele made the remark on Thursday while receiving the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Osanipin, during a courtesy visit and inspection tour of the facility ahead of its official commissioning.
The Vice-Chancellor said the centre is more than a vehicle charging and conversion station. He explained that it was designed as a practical training and research facility to equip students with industry-relevant skills while promoting cutting-edge research in renewable energy and automotive technology.
According to him, the project aligns with the university’s vision of producing graduates capable of competing globally in emerging technologies.
“This partnership is a noble one, and I will continue to do everything possible to collaborate with reputable organisations and institutions to further enhance the development of Ekiti State University,” Professor Ayodele said.
He noted that the facility would enable EKSU to compete favourably with leading universities in Nigeria and internationally, particularly in advanced automotive technology and renewable energy research.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the contractors, consultants, site engineers and all stakeholders whose commitment ensured the timely completion of the project. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to ensuring the CNG-EV Centre is fully utilised for teaching, research, innovation and practical student training.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Osanipin, described the collaboration with EKSU as a strategic initiative aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Osanipin stressed that meaningful national development cannot be achieved when universities, policymakers and the organised private sector operate in isolation.
“We’ve noticed that even the organised private sector is not adequately financing research, nor are they utilising many of the research outcomes from our universities. That gap must be bridged,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that the partnership with EKSU would promote innovation, technology transfer and manpower development for Nigeria’s automotive sector.
Following the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor led principal officers of the university and the NADDC delegation on an extensive inspection of the completed facility.
Speaking with journalists after the tour, the Site Engineer, Emmanuel Joseph, said the centre features a modern electric vehicle charging station with two dispensing units.
“One of the units has two charging guns capable of delivering 30 kilowatts per gun, allowing two electric vehicles to be charged simultaneously,” he said.
He disclosed that the facility also provides CNG vehicle conversion services. According to him, while the technology has existed for years, it is now gaining wider acceptance because of its affordability, efficiency and environmental benefits.
Joseph explained that an electric vehicle with 20 to 30 per cent battery capacity can be fully charged within 30 to 40 minutes, while CNG-powered vehicles offer greater fuel efficiency and longer travel distances compared to conventional petrol vehicles.
He added that the centre is designed primarily as a training and innovation hub where students will acquire practical knowledge on electric mobility, CNG technology and the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources.
The facility will also operate a mobile charging service to provide emergency support for electric vehicle users stranded due to low battery power.
“If anyone gets stranded because the battery runs out, we will be able to dispatch our mobile charging unit from this centre to provide assistance,” he said.
The CNG-EV Centre is expected to serve as a model for universities across Nigeria, supporting the country’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions while strengthening research, innovation and workforce development in the automotive sector.
The courtesy visit and inspection tour was attended by principal officers and other senior officers of the university.
