By Tajudeen Babamale

The University of Ilorin has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Presidential CNG Initiative (PI-CNG) Limited and Yasin Express Logistics Limited to facilitate the conversion of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)-powered vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and deploy CNG buses within the institution. The agreement was formalised last Thursday (October 2, 2025) at the Vice Chancellor’s Office.

With this development, the Federal Government, through the CNG SPROUT initiative, will provide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles and establish CNG infrastructure at the University of Ilorin to reduce transportation costs and promote cleaner energy.

While the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and the Registrar, Mr. Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, signed on behalf of the University, the Managing Director and Executive Chairman of Yasin Express Logistics Limited, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, signed on behalf of the PI-CNG Limited.

Speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin after the signing ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, expressed confidence that the deployment of CNG buses would go a long way in relieving students and staff of the burden of transportation, especially following the recent relocation of the University’s Motor Parks.

               According to him, the buses will make commuting cheaper and more convenient than the current situation.

               While appreciating the Federal Government under the stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice Chancellor stated that the Federal Government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students, and the provision of CNG buses is part of efforts targeted at alleviating the challenges of mobility on campuses.

               On his part, the Chairman of Yasin Express Logistics Limited, who is equally the operator of the UNILORIN CNG Centre, Alhaji Yasin, commended the Federal Government for the initiative, describing it as part of Mr President’s efforts to support University staff and students and enhance the welfare of the academic community.

               Alhaji Yasin further stated that the Federal Government would provide the University with additional CNG buses to complement the existing fleet, thereby reducing transportation challenges for both staff and students.

               While announcing that the University of Ilorin is among the first batch of five universities selected to benefit from the scheme, the operator of the UNILORIN CNG Centre said that the Federal Government will also supply conversion kits to the institution and establish a CNG conversion centre within the University. He explained that the kits would be subsidised by 50 percent, making it easier for staff members of the University who wish to convert their vehicles at the Centre to benefit directly from the subsidy.

               Adding his voice, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu, hailed the project as a timely and strategic intervention that would directly benefit the student population. He observed that since the initiative is a Federal Government project with an appointed operator, it carries strong assurances of delivery.                Dr Akanmu said though the University had requested between 50 and 100 CNG buses under the scheme, the final number to be approved for the institution was yet to be determined. He added that five universities are currently on board with the project, expressing optimism that the buses would soon be deployed on UNILORIN roads.