The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is pushing the boundaries of sustainable transport with an electric vehicle project that could slash more than 120 metric tonnes of carbon emissions from its campus by the end of 2025.
Launched in January in partnership with Ogata Global Resources and Chart Eco Global Services, the initiative began with 10 buses that covered 102,000 kilometres in the first half of the year, preventing nearly 17 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.
Building on that success, the fleet has now been expanded to 30 vehicles, with projections showing it could deliver reductions equal to planting more than 5,600 trees in a single year.
The emissions data, verified by Chart Eco Global Services and reviewed by experts at UNILAG’s Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation, adhered to international standards, including protocols from the UK, US, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
“It is a proof of concept to decarbonise Nigeria’s heavily polluted transport sector,” said Itinulowa Okusami, CEO of Chart Eco. “More importantly, it shows we can scale sustainable mobility across schools and communities.”
Henry Eke, head of Ogata Global Resources, described the initiative as timely, offering affordable transport while easing environmental pressures. Environmental expert Dr Okwong Walter praised its integrity and predicted improvements in air quality around the campus.
UNILAG states that the project reflects its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of climate action and sustainable cities. It is also being seen as a benchmark for other higher institutions.
For students and staff, the benefits are immediate — cleaner air, quieter journeys and cheaper rides. For the wider community, the project signals that sustainability is not just an aspiration but a practical step toward shaping Nigeria’s future.
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