“Nord & UNILAG Forge Path for Indigenous Auto Innovation”
Lagos — In a landmark move that underscores Nigeria’s drive toward industrialization and technological self-reliance, Nord Automobiles Limited and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have deepened their partnership with plans to establish a pioneering automobile assembly hub right on the UNILAG campus.
The agreement — formalised in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) — will see Nord setting up a full-scale auto assembly and manufacturing plant that will not only produce vehicles but also serve as a hands-on training centre for UNILAG students.
Innovation Meets Academia
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogunleye, described the collaboration as a major achievement for the university and for Nigeria. She noted that engineering, architecture, finance, marketing, and creative arts students will all benefit from the facility, through exposure to practical skills and applied research.
Similarly, Mr. Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman/CEO of Nord, expressed excitement about the potential impact of the hub. He emphasised the importance of equipping students with real-world engineering experience and said that the facility would also feature an ultra-modern showroom.
Made-in-Nigeria On Display
Further reinforcing this industrial push, UNILAG recently hosted Dr. Olajumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment — a UNILAG alumna — who during Nigeria’s 65th Independence celebration received her official vehicle, a Nord Demir SUV, assembled at the on-campus Nord facility.
At the event, Dr. Oduwole praised Nord as a “shining example of Nigerian innovation and industrial potential,” reaffirming her support for the government’s “Nigeria-First” policy. She asserted that patronage of indigenous companies — such as Nord — remains central to reducing reliance on imports, generating jobs, and enhancing foreign exchange savings.
Industry & Energy Synergy
In a related development, Nord Automobiles has entered into a strategic partnership with TotalEnergies. Under the deal, TotalEnergies becomes the exclusive lubricant provider for Nord’s service network and will also support the scaling up of Nord’s after-sales services via its existing infrastructure. The move is expected to improve the vehicle ownership experience across Nigeria.
Looking Ahead
The joint venture at UNILAG is poised to become a production and innovation hotspot. Plans are underway to expand capacity; the facility is set to assemble multiple models domestically while also exploring electric and hybrid vehicles, with an eye toward export. Meanwhile, students are set to gain direct access to R&D units, assembly lines, and post-sales operations.
As Nigeria navigates economic challenges, this collaboration offers a beacon of progress: where education, industry, and government converge toward building local capacities and showcasing “Made-in-Nigeria” competence.
This is good news
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