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Nigeria needs cutting-edge inventions to address challenges – Experts

By Adeboye Ado 

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s university system have called on the federal government to encourage the nation’s research institutions and universities to develop innovative solutions to address the country’s power and technology deficiencies.

The need for research institutions capable of creating breakthrough applications for key sectors such as security, power, and education was highlighted, especially as Nigeria grapples with numerous developmental challenges.

A notable example of innovation came from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), where six final-year students from the Department of Physics and Electronics successfully converted a petrol-powered motorcycle into a fully functional electric motorcycle. 

The project, led by Abdulazeez Uthman Alabi, Adejoro Glory Isaac, Odetokun Opeyemi Oluwatosin, Adejunmobi David Ademola, Aladesanmi Emmanuel, and Olaniyi Eniola, has drawn widespread admiration for addressing issues like high fuel costs and environmental sustainability.

Kunle Adetoba, former President of the AAUA Alumni Association, praised the students’ initiative, noting that the conversion to electric would help mitigate transportation challenges arising from subsidy removal and high energy costs. 

He stressed the importance of adequate funding for sustainable research and development in Nigerian universities, urging the government and private sector to support such innovations.

Professor Afolabi Olusegun, Head of the Department of Physics and Electronics, commended the university’s role in providing the students with both theoretical and practical training, which he said was essential to their success. 

He called for greater investment in laboratories, skilled staff, and equipment to boost local innovation and Nigeria’s standing in the global technology market.

Uthman Abdulazeez, one of the students behind the project, revealed that approximately N1.5 million was spent to convert the motorcycle. He lamented the financial and technical challenges encountered during the process, noting that the students raised the funds themselves. 

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The project’s success was made possible by contributions from ThinkBikes Limited in Ibadan, which helped reduce the cost of critical components. 

The team also faced difficulties selecting the right parts and finding suitable workshops for the project’s fabrication.

The students credited their knowledge from the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) for inspiring the project. Uthman, who worked at an electric bike manufacturing company during his SIWES placement, said their hands-on experience with renewable energy and battery technology laid the groundwork for the innovation. 

Their supervisor, Dr. Mrs. T.Y. Ojebisi, suggested they convert a petrol-powered motorcycle into an electric one, a challenge they embraced despite limited resources.

Ayodele Oluwasemilore, another AAUA alumnus, praised the project as a testament to the university’s forward-thinking approach. 

The institution’s Student Union President, Oyindamola Samuel Boladale, also commended the innovation, highlighting the students’ technical expertise and calling for robust support to help AAUA maintain its high standards and continue producing graduates ready to solve real-world challenges.

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Nigeria needs cutting-edge inventions to address challenges – Experts

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