Minister Oduwole Chooses UNILAG-Assembled Nord Demir as Official Car, Champions ‘Nigeria-First’ Industrial Drive
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

In a powerful statement of national pride and industrial confidence, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Olajumoke Oduwole, has chosen a Nord Demir vehicle assembled at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Assembly Plant as her official car — a move aimed at promoting local industry, job creation, and educational innovation.

A Symbol of Faith in Nigerian Innovation

During her visit to her alma mater on Friday, Dr. Oduwole described the choice as a “homecoming of purpose,” highlighting her belief that Nigeria’s educational and industrial institutions can deliver world-class products.

“This car is more than a mode of transport; it is a symbol of faith in Nigeria. I chose UNILAG because this partnership boosts local industry, creates jobs, supports education, and proves that our institutions can deliver world-class innovation,”
she stated after turning on the ignition of the UNILAG-assembled Nord Demir.

According to Akahi News, the minister, who once lectured at UNILAG’s Faculty of Law, explained that her decision aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises industrialisation, local content development, and economic diversification.

“This is a practical demonstration of Mr. President’s Nigeria-First Initiative. By choosing this car, we are promoting research, encouraging innovation, and showing our young people that they can build solutions the world will respect,” she added.

UNILAG Applauds the Minister’s Gesture

Speaking on behalf of the university, Prof. Bola Oboh, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), commended the minister’s decision, describing it as a historic validation of UNILAG’s vision to bridge academia and industry.

“It is not only symbolic but inspirational that one of our own, who once studied and taught here, has returned as a minister to receive a vehicle assembled by UNILAG students on our soil. This sends a message that with knowledge and innovation, Nigerians can dream and achieve big,” Oboh remarked.

The UNILAG–Nord Partnership: A Model for Industrial Education

Akahi News gathered that the UNILAG–Nord Automobile partnership, established in July 2022, is Africa’s first university-based automobile assembly plant. The facility produces up to five vehicles annually while offering hands-on training and cross-disciplinary internship opportunities to students across engineering, business, and technology fields.

Students involved in the project gain exposure to automobile manufacturing, electric vehicle systems, and drone technology, reflecting UNILAG’s growing role in advancing practical research and innovation in Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s Future Will Not Be Imported”

The minister was also conducted on a tour of the Nord Automobile facilities, including the assembly line, research and development unit, and showroom.

As she drove away in her new Nord Demir, observers noted that her decision was more than symbolic — it represented a growing belief that Nigeria’s industrial transformation must begin at home.

“Nigeria’s future will not be imported. It will be built here, by Nigerians, for Nigerians,”
read a statement from UNILAG, summarising the essence of the minister’s visit.

The development marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s local manufacturing ecosystem — one that underscores the synergy between education, innovation, and industrial development.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org