Driving Innovation, Inspiring Hope: Oduwole Returns to UNILAG, Receives Made-in-Nigeria Official Vehicle Assembled on Campus

In a landmark moment that underscored Nigeria’s growing confidence in homegrown innovation, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, welcomed Dr. Olajumoke Omoniyi Oduwole, MFR, Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, to its Akoka campus.

The Minister, an accomplished alumna of UNILAG’s Faculty of Law, officially received her brand-new official vehicle manufactured by Nord Automobile and assembled at the Nord UNILAG Assembly Plant.

A Symbolic Homecoming

Dr. Oduwole’s visit went beyond ceremony—it marked a celebration of Nigeria’s industrial and educational synergy. Her decision to acquire a Made-in-Nigeria vehicle on Independence Day powerfully symbolized both patriotism and progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Professor Bola Oboh, highlighted that the partnership with Nord Automobile is part of UNILAG’s mission to provide hands-on, industry-driven education. The collaboration allows students across disciplines—including engineering, business administration, and creative arts—to gain real-world experience through annual internships at the plant.

Tour of the Nord UNILAG Assembly Plant

Before receiving her new official vehicle, Dr. Oduwole was taken on a guided tour of the Nord UNILAG Assembly Plant by Mr. Joshua Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman/CEO of Nord Automobile. The tour showcased the facility’s research, development, manufacturing, and assembly capabilities, as well as its state-of-the-art showroom.

Mr. Ajayi revealed that Nord Motion can currently assemble five vehicles daily at the UNILAG plant and ten at its Epe plant, serving top Nigerian companies and eyeing international expansion. He praised UNILAG’s collaboration as instrumental in nurturing innovation and supporting the company’s growth.

Renewed Hope in Action

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Oduwole described her experience as both nostalgic and empowering. “I will ride this vehicle with pride as a symbol of the Nigeria-First initiative,” she said. “Supporting Nord Automobile helps create jobs, boost local production, and build confidence in indigenous capacity.”

She reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to promoting Made-in-Nigeria products, encouraging state governments and private sectors to patronize local manufacturers. She also commended UNILAG for fostering partnerships that transform education into enterprise.

UNILAG: The Nation’s Pride

Professor Oboh lauded Dr. Oduwole as “one of UNILAG’s brightest stars,” celebrating her return to the same institution where she once walked as a student and later lectured before her appointment as Minister. She noted that the event was not only a celebration of innovation but also an inspiration to future generations.

Through partnerships like that with Nord Automobile, UNILAG continues to strengthen its reputation as the University of First Choice and the Nation’s Pride, championing locally driven innovation, skill development, and economic growth.

As Nigeria marked 65 years of independence, the event stood as a powerful symbol of hope — that with vision, collaboration, and excellence, the nation’s future can indeed be built right here at home.