By Adeyinka Adeniran
In a major leap for indigenous innovation, researchers at the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University (TECH-U), Ibadan, have achieved dual milestones with two groundbreaking technological inventions.
While one targets fuel adulteration, the other addressed the menace of substandard concrete electric poles.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Adesola Ajayi said both innovations show TECH-U’s growing leadership in development-oriented, problem-solving research.
The patent was granted to a team of scholars for their invention of a smart tracking system for detecting and monitoring substandard concrete electric poles.
The patent, registered by the Federal Government on April 22, 2025, grants exclusive legal rights for commercialisation and deployment within Nigeria.
The research team led by Dr. Gideon Bamigboye (Civil Engineering) include Dr. Jide Akinsola (Computer Science), Dr. Luqman Oloore (Physics and Science Laboratory Technology), Dr. Abraham Aworinde (Electrical and Biomedical Engineering), and Dr. Folasade Afolabi (Food Science and Technology).
The patented tracking system integrates engineering and digital technologies to monitor utility poles in real time, preventing the deployment of substandard materials that pose risks of collapse, injury, and power disruption. The innovation promises safer infrastructure and improved oversight by utility companies and regulators.
Also, Professor Oyetunde Adeaga of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, led a collaborative team that unveiled a Self-Monitoring and Reporting Technology (SMART) gasoline fuel quality detection device.
Developed in partnership with experts from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and the University of Ibadan, the SMART device detects adulterated petrol in real time and halts its flow automatically.
The hand-held device features a combination of Arduino Nano-based ATMega328 control, adaptive temperature sensors, a mini submersible pump, and LCD display. It can identify contaminated fuel in less than a second and block its passage via an electronic funnel mechanism.
Adeaga described it as the first indigenous device of its kind, offering speed, accuracy, and environmental benefits. Co-inventors include Dr. B.V. Omidiji and Dr. K.N. Awokoya of Obafemi Awolowo University, and Dr. S.A. Akintola of the University of Ibadan.
The team emphasised the device’s potential to extend engine lifespan, curb environmental pollution, and generate employment through mass production and maintenance.
Speaking on the dual achievements, Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Ajayi lauded the researchers, describing the inventions as “a response to the need to address myriads of researchable constraints and a clear demonstration of the University’s commitment to developing needed homegrown innovation to solve Nigeria’s most pressing infrastructural and technological challenges.”
