The Federal Polytechnic in Ilaro, Ogun State, has developed an electric tricycle and is seeking support from the Federal Government and corporate organisations to help mass-produce the invention. The Rector, Dr. Mukail Akinde, stated that the polytechnic plans to set up a mini assembly plant to manufacture the tricycles. This move would reduce importation, ease pressure on foreign exchange, and create job opportunities for the youth.
Dr. Akinde mentioned that this prototype tricycle, which can seat three people and has a solar-powered charging system, was designed and assembled at the polytechnic’s innovation center. He hopes to partner with companies like Innoson to take the tricycle to commercial production, aiming to produce at least three tricycles for the polytechnic’s campus by the next season.
The Chairman of the Governing Council, Alhaji Garba Gashua, praised the innovation and promised to seek Federal Government funding for the project. The National Automotive Design and Development Council also showed interest, saying the initiative could boost local production in the automobile sector.