UNN unveils Nigeria's first 5-seater electric car Ozumba 551

- UNN has distinguished itself among Nigerian universities

- President Buhari had accused Nigerian universities of being slow in research and discoveries

- But the institution made a landmark achievement on Monday, July 8, when it unveiled Nigeria's first 5-seater electric car

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), on Monday, July 8, made a landmark achievement as the institution’s Engineering Faculty successfully unveiled its first five-seater electric car.

The Guardian reports that christened Lion Ozumba 551, the car was made with 80 per cent locally-sourced materials and could undertake a 30-kilometer distance when fully charged.

READ ALSO: APC will win Bayelsa if Dickson imposes candidate on us - PDP caucus warns

Legit.ng gathered that the vice chancellor of the university, Professor Charles Igwe, said the car was part of the drive to accord innovation and technology with the highest attention to reposition the institution for greater heights.

He commended the immediate past vice chancellor, Professor Benjamin Ozumba, who he said laid the foundation for innovation and technology upon which the car dream was realised.

“I feel happy that I inherited a strong institution from Ozumba and I promise to consolidate on his achievements,” he said.

The director-general, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu, also commended the university for the stride, urging other institutions in the country to give priority to technology and innovation.

He disclosed that the council had on February 6, invited UNN, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Usman Danfolio University, Sokoto (UDUSOK) and the Metrological Institute, to make proposals on how to produce electric cars in the country, adding that he was elated that it had become reality.

Aliyu, who was represented by director of finance and accounts, David Oyetunji, said improving on the automobile industry in the country would help create more employment and reduce huge amount of money used in importing cars into the country.

He also commended UNN for the recent production of the gasification plant that uses organic waste to generate electricity.

Responding, Ozumba, said he was overwhelmed when he was invited to witness the unveiling of the electric car, which was initiated by his administration.

“When I came on board, I said we need innovation and technology to be at par with China, United States, Sweden and other developed countries of the world.

“That was why I provided the resources and encouragement for innovation and technology, because I believe that is one of the ways we can improve our country’s economy. It was part of my desire to improve UNN’s and Nigeria’s economy and boost the country’s foreign exchange earnings,” he said.

Earlier, the coordinator of UNN medtronic team that produced the car, Ozoemena Ani, affirmed that it was produced with 80 per cent local materials, adding that it would go 30 kilometres when fully charged.

READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that President Buhari said some Nigerians universities failed the country because they were slow in research, discoveries and inventions several years after independence.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better

Parents advice government over ASUU strike | - on Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng