Kwara State University (KWASU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with two Chinese firms to launch a large-scale initiative for converting petrol vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric power, marking a pioneering step in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
Announcing the partnership in Ilorin, KWASU’s Vice-Chancellor, Jimoh Shaykh-Luqman, shared the university’s recent success in converting three vehicles to electric power and one to CNG. He noted that the institution is the first in the country to accomplish this with the support of the two Chinese companies.
“The university has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with two Chinese firms to realize this rare initiative,” he stated, emphasizing the move as a proactive response to rising petrol costs and the harmful environmental impact of traditional fuel emissions.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted that working with reputable suppliers of CNG conversion kits ensures safety and quality. “KWASU aims to make this cost-saving initiative accessible to more people,” he added, outlining plans for large-scale conversions.
In describing the environmental and financial advantages, Shaykh-Luqman said, “While a litre of petrol costs around N1,200, a kilogram of gas is just N200. Additionally, the risk of inhaling carbon emissions is non-existent.”
He further revealed that the university plans to open a site to officially launch the project, a move that will contribute to KWASU’s internal revenue generation. The project has received strong support from Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who commended the university’s initial conversions and provided additional vehicles for conversion.
Following the governor’s endorsement, the Ministry of Business Innovation and Technology entrusted KWASU with three vehicles, two of which have already been successfully converted to electric power. The governor also facilitated the transfer of 22 vehicles from Kwara Express for CNG conversion, a process which is already underway.
Shaykh-Luqman added, “Recently, we completed the conversion of one vehicle to CNG, enabling it to run on both petrol and gas. We are at the development stage now, but by the time we move into marketing, this project will contribute to the university’s revenue, especially with the planned site here in town.”
Supporting the Vice-Chancellor’s statements, Abdulazeez Akande, Chief Technologist in KWASU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, explained that CNG conversions offer significant economic and environmental benefits.
“The rising petrol prices have forced many people to park their vehicles, but CNG offers a cost-effective alternative, providing up to 80 percent savings compared to traditional fuel,” he noted.
While electric vehicles bring even greater environmental benefits, Akande pointed out that their higher conversion costs make CNG a more accessible option for many Nigerians. “One kilogram of CNG can cover at least 13 kilometres, making it highly economical. Since converting four vehicles that transport university staff, KWASU has saved about N840,000 in just seven weeks,” he reported.
Akande also discussed the longevity and efficiency of electric vehicle batteries, which last eight to ten years and operate without an engine. Touring the workshop, he shared that converting a scrap vehicle to electric power costs about N6 million, while CNG conversion costs less than N1.5 million. He added, “A fully charged electric vehicle can cover between 80 to 150 kilometres before needing the next charge.”
With this innovative venture, KWASU is poised to advance sustainable transportation in Nigeria, addressing both economic and environmental challenges.
