University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State, has emerged as the overall winner of the National Automotive Design and Development Council’s (NADDC) inaugural 8-Seater Electric Vehicle (EV) Campus Shuttle Bus Design Competition.

The grand finale, held on Friday at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), saw the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) clinch the first runner-up position, while the University of Abuja secured the second runner-up spot.

The competition, which started on March 6, featured 12 participating universities from across Nigeria.

Mr Emmanuel Ikegwuonu, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, UNIBEN, who made presentation on behalf of his team, said 50 per cent of the materials were locally sourced.

He explained partnership with local suppliers and auto manufacturers and how the design captured benefits of people, profit and the planet.

Prof. Osarobo Ighodaro, UNIBEN, who supervised the overall winning team, explained technicalities that went into the supervision and how it was simplified for the students.

Earlier, while announcing the winners, Prof. Ibrahim Rufai, from Bayero University Kano, explained the selection criteria and industrial requirements.

A team comprised of 20 people comprising 10 students from various faculties, five lecturers, two industry experts and the rest technicians.

Director-General, NADDC, Mr Oluwemimo Osanipin, after presentation of awards and plaques to winners and other stakeholders, announced cash rewards for all participating schools.

Osanipin said each of the 12 participating schools would get N2million, first runner-up N3million, second runner-up to get N4million and overall winners, UNIBEN to receive N5 million. – NAN