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Professor Jimoh Shaykh- Luqman, Vice Chancellor, Kwara state University (KWASU
Kwara State University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with two Chinese firms to initiate large-scale commercial conversion of petrol vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas and electric vehicles.
The Vice-Chancellor of KWASU, Jimoh Shaykh- Luqman, disclosed this to journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Friday, stating that the institution has successfully converted three vehicles to electric and one to CNG.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, “The university has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with two Chinese firms to realise this rare initiative,” adding that KWASU is the first institution in the country to achieve this feat with the involvement of the two Chinese firms.
He explained that partnering with reputable companies for the supply of CNG conversion kits is a proactive step to ensure quality and avoid substandard products that could pose safety risks. KWASU aims to carry out conversions on a large scale to make this cost-saving initiative accessible to more people.
“Kwara State University has successfully converted three of its vehicles to electric motors, as well as one vehicle from the Kwara State Ministry of Business Innovation and Technology,” he said.
He noted that the ongoing rise in petrol prices and the resulting increase in unhealthy carbon emissions drove the university to pursue this research, which has already yielded significant benefits.
Jimoh highlighted the advantages of conversion, such as cost savings and environmental benefits, stating, “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 disclosed KWASU’s plan to launch a site for the official commencement of the commercial project, assuring that it will support the university’s internal revenue generation services.
“When we converted our first two vehicles to electric, we presented them to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who commended and supported our efforts. Following his recommendation, the Ministry of Business Innovation and Technology entrusted us with three vehicles for conversion to electric. We have successfully converted two so far,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
He added that the governor also facilitated the transfer of 22 vehicles from Kwara Express to KWASU for conversion, and work has already commenced on these.
“Recently, we completed the conversion of one vehicle to CNG, enabling it to run on both petrol and gas. We are not new to this process; we have been working on it for some time and are already seeing promising results.
“We are currently at the development stage; by the time we move into the marketing phase, this project will contribute to the university’s revenue, especially with the planned site here in town,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Chief Technologist in KWASU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mr Abdulazeez Akande, highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of the conversion programme, noting that carbon emissions from vehicles have significantly contributed to ozone layer depletion.
“The rising petrol prices have forced many people to park their vehicles. CNG offers a cost-effective alternative, providing up to 80 percent savings compared to traditional fuel,” he said.
Akande explained that while electric vehicles offer even greater environmental benefits, their higher conversion costs currently make CNG a more accessible option for many.
“One kilogram of CNG can cover at least 13 kilometres, making it highly economical. Since converting four vehicles that transport university staff to Malete, KWASU has saved approximately N840,000 in just seven weeks,” Akande reported.
Akande also noted that electric vehicle batteries have a lifespan of eight to ten years and operate without an engine, underscoring the durability and efficiency of electric vehicles.
While giving journalists a tour of the workshop at the university’s office in Ilorin, the chief technologist explained that while it costs about N6 million to convert a scrap vehicle to an electric vehicle, it costs less than N1.5 million to convert a vehicle to CNG.
He added that electric vehicles use renewable energy, relying on a rechargeable battery instead of an engine. “A fully charged electric vehicle can cover between 80 to 150 kilometres before needing the next charge,” he said.
