UNILORIN woos investors for strategic partnerships
By Isaac Lewu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has reiterated the readiness of the University to enter into mutually beneficial and long-term partnerships with credible investors whose initiatives align with its vision of excellence, innovation and sustainable development.
Prof. Egbewole stated that the University remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investments capable of improving infrastructure, enhancing service delivery and enriching the overall experience of staff members and students.
The Vice Chancellor made the remarks last Monday (June 1, 2026) during a presentation by EV Mass Transit Solutions Limited on its proposed electric mobility initiative, tagged ‘Campus Move Nigeria,’for tertiary institutions across the country.
Prof. Egbewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Olalere Adeyemi, noted that the University would continue to welcome innovative ideas that have the potential to improve campus life while advancing environmental sustainability and technological development.
The Vice Chancellor stressed that the University carefully evaluates every investment proposal to ensure that it aligns with institutional goals and offers long-term value to stakeholders, adding that the better by far University remains open to collaborations capable of transforming critical sectors such as transportation, energy, technology and infrastructure, provided such partnerships are transparent, beneficial and sustainable.
The legal luminary further noted that the University of Ilorin has consistently distinguished itself as a forward-looking institution that embraces innovation capable of enhancing operational efficiency and improving the welfare of members of the University community. He explained that the commitment of the institution to excellence requires it to continually explore modern solutions that address emerging challenges while positioning the University as a model for sustainable development and technological advancement.
Prof. Egbewole also emphasised that partnerships between academia and the private sector remain critical to national growth and development.
He noted that such collaborations provide opportunities for practical innovation, knowledge transfer and infrastructure development, adding that the University would continue to support initiatives that align with its strategic vision and contribute positively to teaching, research, community service and students’ overall learning experience.
Making his presentation, the Managing Director of EV Mass Transit Solutions Limited, Mr James Oludile-Clinton, outlined the company’s proposal for the deployment of electric-powered campus shuttle services and charging infrastructure at the University of Ilorin.
He explained that the initiative is part of the company’s Campus Move Nigeria project designed to revolutionise transportation within tertiary institutions through clean-energy mobility solutions. According to him, the pilot phase will cover 10 universities across Nigeria, with each institution receiving 10 electric shuttles, representing an investment of about N2.2 billion, including charging infrastructure.
Mr Oludile-Clinton disclosed that each electric shuttle costs about N15 million and is designed to carry 15 passengers and a driver per trip. He explained that the vehicles are powered by smart batteries equipped with GPS tracking systems to enhance operational efficiency and campus security. The batteries can cover approximately 140 kilometres on a single charge and require about one hour and thirty minutes for a full recharge.
Mr Oludile-Clinton added that the company is prepared to assume the initial investment risks associated with the pilot phase, thereby relieving participating institutions of significant upfront financial commitments. He disclosed that the company intends to deploy the first set of shuttles and supporting infrastructure through its own investment, while providing opportunities for universities, student unions and other stakeholders to participate in future expansion phases.
In his remarks, the Director of Works, Mr Ramoni Kolawole Amoo, stressed the need for assurances regarding the authenticity and implementation of the proposal, noting that similar presentations had been made in the past without translating into actual projects.
He, therefore, urged the company to demonstrate a clear commitment to executing the initiative if approved by the University.
On his part, the Managing Director of UNILORIN Holdings Limited, Prof. Bashir A. Raji, expressed optimism about the proposal, saying that the University would carefully study the details presented. He added that he looked forward to the possibility of a productive partnership between the University and EV Mass Transit Solutions Limited if the project eventually scales through the necessary approval processes.
The event was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; and the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Morenikeji Akanmu, among others.
