Polytechnic Ibadan unveils made in Nigerian ventilator, automated handwashing machine

Segun Showunmi in Ibadan

The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, has unveiled made in Nigeria mechanical ventilator and automated hand washing machine produced by the department of Mechatronics Engineering of the institution.

Penpushing reports that the development, according to the institution, was aimed at combating the coronavirus disease in the country and other related diseases, noting that, the  ventilators us an essential equipment in the treatment of coronavirus  patients.

The Rector of the institution, Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi, while speaking with journalists disclosed that the ventilators passed through all necessary procedures, stressing that the equipment has been tested at the University College Hospital, Ibadan (UCH) last week.

‘The ventilator and hand washing machine housing a dryer, were among the new innovations of the department which has just been accredited to run Higher National Diploma (HND) Programme’.

‘The citadel of learning has equally produced hand sanitizer and face mask which were donated to the Oyo state government in support of the fight against coronavirus pandemic., explaining that project was  to complement the efforts of the government in the fight against the virus.

 Penpushing further reports that Adebiyi disclosed that the institution spent about N2,000,000  to produce the ventilator, noting that the cost will be lesser if it was a mass production process, and lauded the Seyi Makindele led government for releasing grant to the institution which he claimed made it possible for the management to embark on several projects that were long overdue.

The rector said that this was the first time since 2009 that the institution would receive grant from the state government to embark on accreditation process, adding that before now, the management sometimes go as far as taking loans from banks for accreditation.

“We are just using this avenue to appreciate the government for what they have done for us. When we received the letter from them, we passed all accreditation, we were very joyful. We did accreditation for thirteen programmes and we passed all the thirteen programmes’.

“Also, we did three professional accreditation programmes which we passed and that looked like magic to everybody that how were we able to achieve that and then we said, since we have the support of the government.

“When we looked at the records, the last time the institution benefitted from such accreditation grant from government was in 2009 and when the present government came on board, we were bothered because about fifteen to sixteen of our programmes were due for accreditation. Mechanical ventilator

“I said, look, lets go and meet the governor, they asked if I was sure because we have not received anything from them in years, but I insisted that we make a trial. The governor approved our request immediately and the grant was used judiciously for various needs; we procured necessary equipments, renovated buildings, secured accreditation for programmes, among others”, he added.

Penpushing also reports that, a student who was part of the research team, Israel Ajayeoba in his comments said the mechanical ventilator was designed in a way that it can be adjusted depending on the rate at which the patient needs it.

Meanwhile, the research team who carried out the development under the Deanship of Engr. Tijani B.O and the  Rectorship of Prof. Adebiyi Kazeem include; Engr. Olaiya Kamourudeen, Mr. Olanlere Oladeji, Mr. Oluokun Tolulope, and Engr. Bello Abdulrahaman, Mr. Sanusi Babatunde, Mr. Azeez O.R, Mr. Ajayeoba Israel and a consultant from the University College Hospital, Ibadan, (UCH) Dr. Adebayo Oluwaseun.