The Federal Polytechnic Ilaro has unveiled a solar tricycle that runs on both solar power and electronic charging, thus providing an eco-friendly transportation option. This upgraded model — which can carry five passengers — showcases the potential of polytechnic education in advancing technological innovation in Nigeria.
A Step Toward Technological Growth
In a remarkable step towards technological advancement, the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State, has unveiled a newly fabricated solar-powered tricycle. This innovation was presented during the second anniversary of Dr. Mukail Akinde’s appointment as Rector of the institution.
The solar tricycle runs on both electronic charging and solar power, making it an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. This latest model — unlike the previous one which could only carry one passenger — has been upgraded to accommodate five passengers.
The Need for Revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Company
During the event, Dr. Akinde made an impassioned call for the revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Company. He stressed that the company’s resuscitation is crucial for the manufacturing sector and technical development in Nigeria.
According to him, industries like the Ajaokuta Steel Company play a central role in providing materials and equipment needed for various manufacturing processes, including the production of components for innovations such as the solar tricycle.
Dr. Akinde emphasized the importance of having a working foundry where iron and steel can be cut to precision. Lack of that was a major challenge in the development of the solar tricycle, as the polytechnic had to send its designs abroad for the required precision cuts. Ajaokuta Steel could help eliminate this dependence on foreign countries and allow for more local production.
The Importance of Polytechnic Education
A core message from Dr. Akinde’s speech was the role of polytechnic education in Nigeria's technological advancement. He highlighted the fact that polytechnics are designed to produce the technical manpower needed for national development.
However, inadequate funding has limited their potential, thereby leading to the over-reliance on importation of goods that could be produced locally. He urged the government to prioritize the funding of polytechnics, stating that many of the items currently imported into Nigeria can be manufactured within the country.
By investing in technical education, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on foreign goods and advance its industrial capabilities. Dr. Akinde cited examples of countries like China, Singapore, and Malaysia, which have advanced technologically by focusing on technical education.
He noted that China has even converted many of its universities into polytechnics, showing the global importance of technical skills. He implored that Nigeria should follow this example to drive technological and economic growth.
The Impact of the Solar Tricycle Innovation
The solar-powered tricycle developed by the Polytechnic is a clear example of what can be achieved with proper support for technical education. The tricycle’s ability to run on solar energy is particularly important in a country like Nigeria, where access to reliable electricity is often limited.
The Polytechnic’s solar tricycle has already drawn attention from various quarters. The President of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Engr Felix Olu, commended the institution’s commitment to driving homegrown technological innovation.
Olu urged the Polytechnic to seek collaborations that could help in the commercial production of the solar tricycle, turning it into a product that can be widely distributed across Nigeria and beyond. The solar tricycle provides a sustainable solution to transportation challenges, especially in rural areas where fuel might be scarce or expensive.
The unveiling of the solar-powered tricycle at Federal Polytechnic Ilaro is a major milestone in Nigeria's journey toward technological independence. As Nigeria grapples with issues of import dependence and industrial stagnation, innovations like the solar tricycle offer a glimpse of the future – one where homegrown technology drives the nation forward.