The car, known as Tuke-Tuke, has been passed for International Technical Evaluation and is joining others from 25 countries of the world in the competition, according to a statement made available by Media Manager, Shell Nigeria, Precious Okolobo, yesterday.
Added to the UNIBEN students’ car is another one built by students of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, which is still undergoing ‘thorough’ technical evaluation. The result will be announced today.
Students from the two Nigerian universities are the first teams from Sub- Saharan Africa to participate in the global event.
The marathon which starts today with an opening ceremony and cars, will race for the winning price tomorrow, with the Nigerians hoping to grab the most valuable prize at the event.
Part of the statement said: “Shell Eco-marathon challenges student teams from around the world to design, build and test ultra energyefficient vehicles. The winners are the teams that go the furthest using the least amount of energy.
“The events, according to organisers, spark debate about the future of mobility and inspire young engineers to push the boundaries of fuel efficiency.
“All cars are expected to pass a strict technical inspection to check if they are fit for the purpose and safe before they are allowed to race.”