On July 3, 2025 the University of Nigeria Nsukka UNN unveiled solar powered tricycles.
According to reports, the tricycles will operate within the campus vicinity.
WITHIN NIGERIA findings showed that this is coming after banning motorcycles from operating within the campus penultimate week.
This is also following security tip-off that bandits are planning to attack the University.
The introduction of the scheme followed the university’s strict ban on commercial motorcycles (okadas) to improve surveillance and emergency response capabilities.
Recall that on June 20, the institution placed a restriction on private and commercial motorcycle operation on the campus.
In a release entitled “Ban on Motorcycle Operations Takes Effect June 29” released by the Barrister Okey Ambrose, the acting Chief Security Officer of the University reads this;
“The University Security Unit wishes to inform members of the University Community and the general public that it will commence the full implementation of the ban on motorcycle operations on the University campuses effective Monday, June 29, 2026, by 10:00 a.m.
“This decision is part of ongoing measures by the University Management to strengthen security, enhance effective monitoring of movement, and ensure a safe and conducive environment for teaching, learning, research and other University activities.
“Consequently, no motorcycle, whether privately owned or commercially operated, will be permitted within the University campuses from Monday, June 29, 2026.
“Any motorcycle found within the campuses after the enforcement begins will be impounded by the University Security Unit.
“Members of staff, students, visitors, contractors and members of the public who use motorcycles are advised to make alternative arrangements and park their motorcycles at designated locations outside the University gates before entering the campuses.
“The Security Unit appreciates the cooperation and understanding of all members of the University community as it continues to prioritise the safety and welfare of staff, students and visitors.
“All members of the University community are encouraged to comply fully with this directive.”
Though the ban has generated condemnations from both staff and parents who are currently trekking from different routes of the university to their designated offices and schools, the introduction of solar tricycles has indeed led to loss of business by so many shuttle drivers on the campus.
When our reporter visited the University on Monday to assess the patronage of the new transport system, many students and staff were seen, boarding and alighting from the tricycle.
The new tricycle with inscriptions on its back, “Renewed Hope” has sparked concern among traditional campus shuttle drivers.
The subsidized N100 per-drop fare and the mandated ban on commercial motorcycles threaten the daily revenue and passenger volume of the shuttle drivers and okada riders so much so that many of them are currently lamenting the effects of the current situation.
It was also gathered that the launch brings specific changes and concerns to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) transportation ecosystem.
The solar tricycles are part of a Federal Government and TETFund deployment of 240 solar-powered vehicles to 12 Nigerian universities.
Students/staff react to the new development
In a chat with some of the students of the institution, they express happiness over the introduction of the tricycles.
One of the students, Johnmartins Eze told our reporter that it is a welcome development.
Eze, a student of Mass Communication explained that ” it will help a lot in easy movement of both students and staff of UNN. I know how much I was spending for inter-campus movement, but now, it has reduced tremendously.
“My suggestion is that the tricycles should be many so that they can round the campus.”
Rose Agbo, a student of department of Pharmacy also said that ” we are happy with Prof. Simon Ortuanya for this new development. We pray that it can sustained.”
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that shuttle drivers collect as high as N300 inside the campus against the new transport system.
Shuttle drivers lament
In another vein, traditional shuttle drivers are lamenting the competition.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that with students now opting for the highly affordable electric tricycles, traditional buses are seeing a drastic drop in daily passenger patronage.
Chijioke Nweze, a shuttle driver told our reporter that ” we are currently experiencing low patronage by both students and staff of the institution.
“They no longer board our buses as they used to because of the introduction of this solar-powered tricycles.
“The worst of it all is that we were not even pre-informed about the introduction of the tricycles. So, it is indeed a dicey situation for us the shuttle drivers here on campus.”
However, all efforts to get the reaction of the Public Relations Officer, PRO of the University, Mr. Agha Egwu Inya proved abortive as he was not picking his calls by our reporter.
