President Muhammadu Buhari has given thumbs up to the management of the University of Lagos over its partnerships with private industries.
Speaking at the formal commissioning of an automobile assembling plant sited on the UNILAG Campus, President Buhari, represented by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, described the Nord Automotive Complex as a project which supports the recently signed Executive Order 5.
The Order, according to the President, seeks to promote local content in the manufacturing industry especially as the world transits into the smart space.
Sen Momora, on behalf of the President, adjudged the partnership between UNILAG and Nord Automobiles Limited which brought about the establishment of the Nord Automotive Complex as a demonstration of the unlimited potentials which the Nigerian youthful population epitomizes, a feat he said must be effectively harnessed for national transformation.
In his keynote address, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Nord Automobiles Limited, Oluwatobi Ajayi said the Nord Automotive Complex is designed to be an end-to-end centre with sections for; Research and Development, Manufacturing and assembling plant as well as a Showroom and sales centre.
He said the vision of Nord Automobiles Limited is to crash the high cost of brand-new cars in Nigeria especially when viewed against the backdrop of cheap and affordable price which obtains in other countries.
Mr Ajayi decried the extremely high cost of buying and owning brand new cars in Nigeria, a development he said should be a reawakening call to transform Nigeria into a vibrant industrial country as against the prevalent practice of importation.
Through the Nord Automotive Complex, the CEO said both the academics and industry professionals would work together to ensure Nigerians have access to top-notch, quality, classy, functional brand-new vehicles at affordable costs.
Mr Ajayi said no fewer than 14 showroom facilities are being built across Nigeria to serve as sales centre for Nord automobiles limited, one of which is sited at the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Centre of the University of Lagos.
The project, according to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Nord Automobiles Limited, will also serve as a factory for manufacturing Drones just as it will turn around the automobile business in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Cooperatives, Dr. Mrs Lola Akande described the Nord Automotive Complex as a project which aligns with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision and efforts to promote a life of dignity and value for every Lagosian.
The Commissioner assured of the state government’s avowed commitment towards promoting a thriving ambience for every brand and business in Lagos.
In his goodwill remarks, Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, gave a background of the project tracing it back to his first meeting with the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Nord Automobiles Limited, Mr Oluwatobi Ajayi.
The Nord Automotive Complex, according to Prof. Ogundipe will serve as a training facility for students and lecturers across different faculties.
The Vice-Chancellor who was beaming with smiles and satisfaction described the Nord Automotive Complex as another ground-breaking move by UNILAG, one which he said, will further enhance the university’s visibility as a place for developmental and solution-driven research.
Highpoint of the well-attended event was the formal unveiling of the Nord Automotive Complex by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora who represented the Visitor to the University, President Muhammadu Buhari. There was also a guided tour of the complex.
Find below, a pictorial representation of the event.
