The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has achieved what few African universities have managed: a real-world fusion of academia and industry. In partnership with Nord Automobiles, UNILAG established Africa’s first university-based automobile assembly plant, marking a practical leap toward industrial innovation within higher education.
Formally inaugurated on November 10, 2022, after an MoU was signed in July 2022, the project brings manufacturing, research, and training under one roof. The plant, located on UNILAG’s Akoka campus, can assemble up to five vehicles daily — including SUVs, sedans, and pickups like the Nord Demir, A3, and Tank — alongside drones for commercial and security use.
For students, this isn’t just theory. It’s hands-on production, from EV technology and CNG conversions to drone assembly and automotive marketing. Engineering, finance, design, and management students now gain direct exposure to real-world production and business operations — a model of applied education that redefines classroom learning.
This initiative directly supports Nigeria’s “Made in Nigeria” agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope industrialisation vision. It demonstrates how universities can drive economic diversification and job creation by linking research and entrepreneurship. The project has already earned national attention— including when Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, chose a Nord Demir SUV assembled at the UNILAG plant as her official car on October 1, 2025.
The collaboration highlights Nord Automobiles’ mission to build locally relevant vehicles that meet African conditions — affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. Its CEO, Oluwatobi Ajayi, sees the partnership as a pathway to nurture talent and expand Nigeria’s auto industry beyond imports.
Still, challenges remain. Critics argue that current operations focus on assembly rather than full-scale manufacturing, with key components like engines and electronics still imported. They call for investment in local supply chains, materials engineering, and component fabrication to achieve industrial self-sufficiency.
Despite these hurdles, the UNILAG-Nord partnership sets a national precedent. It proves that with the right industry-academia collaboration, Nigerian institutions can become innovation hubs. It also reflects a broader global shift: universities serving not just as centres of learning, but as active contributors to industrial and technological ecosystems.
Looking ahead, the plant aims to scale production, expand R&D into EV and CNG systems, and explore exports to neighbouring African markets. If executed well, it could be the blueprint for how education can fuel industrial growth in Africa.
Timeline of Key Events
- In July 2022, UNILAG and Nord Automobiles signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their collaboration on the assembly plant.
- On November 10, 2022, the university officially inaugurated Africa’s first on-campus automobile assembly plant.
- Post-November 2022, the plant began assembling vehicles and drones while introducing student internship programmes.
- On October 1, 2025, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole adopted a Nord Demir SUV assembled at the plant as her official vehicle, marking a symbolic endorsement of local production.
Models Assembled at UNILAG-Nord Plant
- Nord Demir (SUV) – Built for Nigerian roads, this durable model offers a CNG-compatible option that suits rugged conditions.
- Nord A3 (Sedan) – A compact, fuel-efficient car designed for affordable city commuting.
- Nord Tank (Pickup) – A heavy-duty vehicle suited for farming, logistics, and security operations.
- Nord A7 (SUV) – A premium SUV offering advanced infotainment systems and enhanced passenger comfort.
This partnership doesn’t just assemble vehicles; it assembles opportunity. It positions UNILAG — and Nigeria — at the centre of Africa’s next phase of industrial innovation.
