September 30, 2024

Solar Tricycle Unveiled at Federal Polytechnic Ilaro

In a significant demonstration of homegrown innovation, the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro in Ogun State has developed and unveiled a solar-powered electric tricycle. The project, a direct response to Nigeria’s rising fuel costs and environmental concerns, showcases the institution’s capacity for creating practical solutions to national challenges.

The tricycle, developed by students and staff at the polytechnic’s Innovation Centre, is a notable upgrade from a previous single-passenger prototype. This new model can carry up to five passengers and operates on a dual-charging system, utilizing both electronic charging and integrated solar panels for power. This reliance on solar energy makes it an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional petrol-powered vehicles and offers a sustainable transportation solution, particularly in areas with limited access to reliable electricity or affordable fuel.

The unveiling, which coincided with the second anniversary of Dr. Mukail Akinde’s appointment as Rector, served as a platform to address broader issues hindering Nigeria’s technological growth. Dr. Akinde issued a passionate appeal for the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, stressing its critical importance for the nation’s industrial self-sufficiency. He revealed that a major obstacle in fabricating the tricycle was the absence of a functional local foundry for precision iron and steel cutting, forcing the polytechnic to outsource these tasks abroad. A revived Ajaokuta, he argued, would strengthen domestic manufacturing processes and reduce dependence on foreign capabilities.

Dr. Akinde also highlighted the essential role of polytechnic education in fostering the technical manpower required for national development. He lamented that inadequate funding has limited the potential of institutions like his, leading to an over-reliance on imported goods that could be produced locally. Citing nations like China and Singapore that have prospered by prioritizing technical education, he urged the government to increase its investment in polytechnics to spur industrial advancement and economic growth.

The solar tricycle project has already garnered praise from industry bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), whose President, Engr Felix Olu, commended the institution’s forward-thinking approach. Dr. Akinde is now seeking collaborations and federal support to move the project from prototype to commercial production, which could create jobs and make sustainable transportation more accessible across the country. The innovation stands as a powerful example of what Nigerian technical institutions can achieve with adequate support, offering a glimpse into a future driven by homegrown technology.