In a strong endorsement of local innovation and industrial growth, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olajumoke Oduwole, has chosen a Nord Demir, assembled at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), as her official vehicle — a move she described as a practical commitment to promoting Nigerian-made solutions.
Dr. Oduwole, an alumna and former lecturer at UNILAG’s Faculty of Law, returned to her alma mater in what she called a “homecoming of purpose”, where she turned the ignition of the locally assembled car and officially adopted it for official duties.
“This car is more than a mode of transport; it is a symbol of faith in Nigeria,” the minister said. “I chose UNILAG because this partnership boosts local industry, creates jobs, supports education, and proves that our institutions can deliver world-class innovation. I will drive it with pride in Abuja and on official engagements.”
The car, a Nord Demir, was built at Africa’s first university-based automobile assembly plant, located on the UNILAG campus through a partnership with Nord Automobiles Limited. Established in July 2022, the facility assembles vehicles and provides students with hands-on training in automotive technology, including electric vehicles and drone assembly.
The minister explained that her decision aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic stability and industrialisation.
“This is a practical demonstration of the Nigeria-First Initiative of Mr. President. 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 stated.
Representing UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Prof. Bola Oboh, described the moment as historic.
“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,” Oboh said. “This sends a message that with knowledge and innovation, Nigerians can dream and achieve big.”
During her visit, the minister toured the Nord Automobile facilities at UNILAG, including the assembly line, research and development unit, and showroom, meeting students and staff involved in the project.
Since the inception of the UNILAG–Nord partnership, the initiative has produced at least five vehicles and continues to offer cross-disciplinary internship opportunities to students, combining practical experience with academic research.
The university described the milestone as a reaffirmation of its status as “the University of First Choice and the Nation’s Pride.”
For Dr. Oduwole, the moment marked a full-circle journey — from student to lecturer, to federal minister — now taking on the role of a national advocate for homegrown innovation and Nigerian-made solutions.
As the minister drove away in her new official vehicle, the university’s statement captured the broader message:
“Nigeria’s future will not be imported. It will be built here, by Nigerians, for Nigerians.”
