Don Invents Inverter, Tech Hub To Boost Research Commercialisation

A don at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Dr Adam Muritala, said he has invented Afri-inverter and established the African Pro-Humanity Technology Hub (APHTH) to enhance research commercialisation.

Muritala, an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and the Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, OAU, said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Monday.

He said the Afri-inverter produced by APHTH was an indigenous technology with most of its components sourced locally.

“Unlike most imported inverters that are heavy because they use wet batteries, the Afri-inverter uses a lithium battery.

“This makes it unique; it’s not so heavy, and it works perfectly; we are trying to make it even better than what is available in the market.

“We are still looking for investors so that we can be able to build Afri-inverter at a reduced price so that people can afford it in Nigeria,” he said.

The don said the technology showcased African innovation and proof that African minds could produce solutions to Africa’s challenges.

Murital said the project aimed at revolutionising research and development in Nigeria, particularly in tertiary institutions.

“Nigerians are importing from China and some other countries. We have to develop our own technology to boost our economy,” he told NAN.

Muritala said APHTH would serve as a new platform for African-invented technologies and AI-driven education.

According to him, the aim is to bridge the gap between research, innovation, and real-world impact.

The don told NAN that APHTH was an initiative dedicated to advancing indigenous innovation and empowering African talents.

According to him, the hub seeks to further investigate and proffer solutions to the situation whereby many graduates of engineering are not contributing positively to the national development.

He said that the gap was properly addressed in his book entitled “Towers of Hope, Halls of Despair: A Journey Through Nigeria’s University”.