Last Updated on September 24, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Raymond Osemene
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has strengthened its commitment to cleaner and more sustainable transportation with a sensitisation programme on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs), aimed at promoting safer, more affordable and environmentally responsible mobility.
The programme, held today, September 23, 2026, at the NASU Secretariat, was organised by SYD Mega System Limited in collaboration with the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
The sensitisation brought together members of the University Community and staff unions to examine the opportunities, benefits and practical considerations associated with emerging alternative energy solutions in Nigeria’s transportation sector.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Olawale Dairo, stressed the importance of collaboration in developing practical solutions that would promote environmental sustainability and improve the quality of life within the University Community.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that sustainable transportation systems were increasingly gaining acceptance, supported by government interventions aimed at encouraging cleaner and more efficient mobility. He added that FUNAAB was exploring ways of strengthening its transportation system through the acquisition and deployment of vehicles in partnership with strategic stakeholders.
Earlier, the Managing Director, SYD Mega System Limited, Mr. Adebayo Soyode, said the programme was designed to deepen awareness of CNG-powered vehicles, their benefits and practical applications. He explained that government policies had encouraged CNG adoption in response to rising petrol and transportation costs and efforts to expand the CNG ecosystem nationwide.
Mr. Soyode described CNG as an economical and more sustainable transportation fuel option, noting its potential benefits, including reduced fuel expenditure, improved engine performance, lower operating temperatures and potentially longer engine life.
Speaking at the programme, the Chairman, SSANU-FUNAAB, Comrade Olugbenga Alayode, appreciated members of the University Community for participating in the sensitisation, describing it as an important platform for knowledge acquisition and stakeholder engagement. He also commended the organisers for their coordination and commitment.
The Chairman, NASU-FUNAAB, Comrade Samson Edivri, described the programme as timely, noting that stakeholders needed to understand the practical implications of transitioning from conventional petrol-powered vehicles to alternatives such as CNG. He stressed that sustainable transportation should encompass efficiency, safety, environmental responsibility and local economic opportunities.
In his Goodwill Message, the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles, Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, represented by Engr. Joseph Igana, commended SYD Mega System Limited for selecting FUNAAB as the host institution. He described the transition to alternative energy as increasingly relevant to Nigeria’s transportation and economic development.
Barr. Ahmed disclosed that CNG operations had been activated in 28 states, with more than 120,000 vehicles and tricycles converted, while active CNG refuelling stations had increased from 11 at the commencement of the programme to more than 90. He added that over 400 accredited conversion centres were operating nationwide, with more than 8,000 CNG technicians trained and certified and over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs created.
He encouraged FUNAAB to take advantage of the campus conversion partnership by converting its shuttle buses to CNG and training relevant engineering students as certified CNG technicians. Barr. Ahmed envisaged the University emerging as a model CNG-enabled institution where academic knowledge, practical skills and sustainable transportation converge to support Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner energy.
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