The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has hosted the minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olajumoke Omoniyi Oduwole, to celebrate its homegrown innovation and national pride.
Oduwole, an alumnus of UNILAG’s Faculty of Law, returned to her alma mater last week to receive her new official vehicle, proudly assembled in Nigeria by Nord Automobile at the Nord-UNILAG Assembly Plant in Akoka.
The minister commended the university and Nord Automobile for showcasing indigenous enterprises, describing it as a testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I will ride this vehicle with pride in Abuja and on official engagements,” she said. “This is a strong statement of our support for the Nigeria-First Initiative and our confidence in Nigerian products,” she said.
The minister added that patronising locally made goods would strengthen the naira, create jobs, encourage research and inspire young innovators.
Representing the vice chancellor, Prof. Folasade T. Ogunsola, the deputy vice chancellor (Academics and Research), Prof. Bola Oboh, described the event as a milestone in UNILAG’s vision to combine academic excellence with industrial innovation.
She said the partnership between UNILAG and Nord Automobile, established in 2022, is the first university-based automobile assembly plant in Africa. It offers students across various disciplines, from engineering to business and creative arts, hands-on training and industry exposure.
Before receiving her new Nord Demir vehicle, the minister toured the assembly facility, guided by the chairman/CEO of Nord Automobile, Mr Joshua Oluwatobi Ajayi.
The tour covered the research and development unit, manufacturing workshop and showroom, where several Nord vehicle models were displayed.
Prof. Oboh expressed the university’s delight in welcoming one of its distinguished alumni, noting that Oduwole lectured in UNILAG’s Faculty of Law before she was appointed minister.
She described the event as a source of pride and inspiration for the students, saying the gesture would motivate more Nigerians to believe in the nation’s creative and industrial potential.
“This moment embodies UNILAG’s enduring identity as the university of first choice and the nation’s pride,” she said.
