Category: TETFAIR

TETFAIR STORIES: In the heart of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape lies a pressing challenge that has long hindered the potential of farms across the nation. Avian infestations have emerged as a persistent and damaging issue, casting a shadow over the abundance of crops and grains that should sustain communities. These unwelcome birds relentlessly invade fields, causing substantial economic losses, compromising food security, and leaving farmers more vulnerable than ever before. Nowhere is this issue felt more deeply than in Nigeria, where the agricultural sector stands as a cornerstone of both the economy and the livelihoods of millions.

A wide array of bird species contributes to this avian menace, their depredations reaching across diverse crops including maize, rice, sorghum, and millet. The dire consequences reverberate, intensifying the plight of small-scale farmers who are already at risk. Unfortunately, existing solutions, often imported from different contexts, fall short in the face of the unique challenges posed by avian infestations within Nigeria’s intricate agricultural tapestry. The nation’s crop diversity, farming practices, and local environmental conditions demand tailored, effective solutions.

TETFAIR STORIES: TEAM 5

Taking the lead in this endeavor is TEAM 5 from TETFAIR (TETFund Alliance For Innovative Research). Comprising experts from the Federal University Birnin Kebbi—distinguished academics including Prof. Abdulaziz Shehu, Prof. Isah Garba Abor, Dr. Abubakar Musa Shinkafi, and Abubakar Muhammad Hashim—this team brings together diverse fields such as design and development of drones, software engineering, and financial analysis. The innovators designed their drone, “Blue Bird,” to detect and deter avian intruders through the strategic use of distortionary sounds.

MARKET VALIDATION

In April 2023, during the Market Validation Stage of TETFAIR, TEAM 5 collected data from Northern Nigeria’s three geographical zones (Northwest, Northcentral, and Northeast) and subjected it to rigorous analysis using SPSS. Recognizing the need for collaborative efforts, the team established partnerships with Farmers Cooperative Societies including the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) and key authorities such as the Upper Benue River Basin Authority, RIMA Basin Authority, and Upper Niger Basin Authority, in addition to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Notably, international interest in Blue Bird’s services surfaced from investors based in Malaysia and Togo.

The journey from concept to reality wasn’t without challenges. Developing the Blue Bird Drone Technology prototype encountered hurdles, including limited drone battery life, mapping difficulties stemming from internet access disparities, and operational obstacles posed by terrains and autonomous flight patterns. Moreover, the team grappled with the broader challenge of creating awareness and a campaign program for farmers to comprehend the technology’s potential.

Nonetheless, the team’s unwavering commitment persists. As they navigate through the Prototype Development Bootcamp, they’re determined to address their challenges head-on and achieve several objectives, including enhancing the drone’s battery energy and capacity, incorporating additional predatory sounds to prevent avian acclimatization, providing comprehensive training for both planning and executing missions, and fostering farmer awareness through various media channels.

In the face of adversity, TEAM 5 remains dedicated to ushering in a new era for Nigerian agriculture. With their Blue Bird Drone Technology poised to make a significant impact, they exemplify resilience, innovation, and a collective vision for a more secure and prosperous agricultural future.

Introduction

TETFAIR STORIES: According to a report from the United Nations in 2021, Nigeria had the highest number of child deaths worldwide due to pollution-related pneumonia standing at a staggering 70,000. Shockingly, UNICEF disclosed that 40% of these fatalities were attributed to indoor air pollution from solid cooking fuels. As a result of such morbid statistics, urgent action was imperative.

Introducing TEAM 13, a group of academics at TETFAIR. This team comprises lecturers from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, including Dr. Isah Yakub Mohammed, Mohammed Aminu, and Haliru Liman. Their collective fields spans environmental engineering, mechatronics, and electronics, making them formidable forces against the daunting challenge at hand.

At TETFAIR, TEAM 13 embarked on an ambitious mission: to develop a Self-Powered digital solid fuel stove. This innovation does not only have the capacity to improve cooking but also mitigate the dire consequences of indoor air pollution. Their dedication to this cause was underscored by their commitment to delivering a remarkable solution.

TETFAIR STORIES: Market Validation

The journey of TEAM 13 took a pivotal turn during the Market Validation Phase at TETFAIR. Respondents’ reactions were a resounding chorus of elation and eagerness at the prospect of the prototype. The burning question on their lips: “When can we get our hands on it?” This outpouring of enthusiasm served as an affirmation, fortifying the belief and confidence of TEAM 13 that their creation is destined for success, not only within Nigeria but also on a global scale.

The prototype development Bootcamp proved to be a transformative experience for the team. Every electronic and control element of the stove was meticulously designed and rigorously tested to ensure seamless functionality. Furthermore, the stove’s physical form took shape through intricate 3D design, breathing life into their vision.

Remarkably, TEAM 13’s journey has been smooth, devoid of significant setbacks. Their optimism further fuels their progress as they remain steadfast in their pursuit.

TETFAIR STORIES: Conclusion

As the third Bootcamp progresses, TEAM 13 stands on the brink of a significant achievement—the completion of their prototype. With unwavering determination and a collective spirit, they are poised to usher in a new era of cooking technology that will not only redefine culinary experiences but also safeguard the health and well-being of countless individuals.

Stay tuned as we eagerly await the unveiling of TEAM 13’s remarkable innovation. They are a beacon of hope amidst the challenges posed by indoor air pollution and a shining testament to the power of innovation cultivated at TETFAIR.

In the realm of innovation, stories often emerge from collaboration and ingenuity. Within the heart of this narrative lies TETFAIR, a collaborative initiative of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Innov8 Hub. From inception, TETFAIR has aimed to foster a dynamic environment where the Government, Academia and Industry could converge to tackle societal challenges and offer the possibility for enterprise. The outcome? A plethora of inspiring stories that not only spotlight innovation in Nigeria, but also illuminate the path toward sustainable growth.

In the journey from farm-fresh agricultural produce to successful ventures, food processing has emerged as a significant challenge. Unfortunately, the existing systems within the agricultural value chain often fall short in addressing this crucial aspect. This gap becomes particularly evident in the case of Nigeria, as highlighted by Businessday.ng, a prominent business and financial news outlet. Their reports reveal that the country faces a staggering 60% annual post-harvest loss in tomato production alone, resulting in a substantial shortfall of 1.4 million metric tons against a demand of 2.2 million metric tons. Such a glaring disparity has not only disrupted the tomato agricultural value chain but has also raised concerns about overall productivity. The need of the hour is to explore innovative initiatives and novel methods of food preservation and processing that can effectively tackle this challenge head-on.

TETFAIR STORIES SO FAR: TEAM 6

Addressing this challenge is TEAM 6 at TETFAIR, a group committed to reshaping the landscape of food processing. Their groundbreaking solution comes in the form of a Vacuum-Assisted Tomato Dryer, a concept that not only aids in tomato processing and preservation but has also unveiled the potential for a new entrepreneurial venture through its byproducts – Tomato Flakes and Tomato Powder.

The driving force behind this innovation is a team of accomplished academics hailing from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Dr. Uloma Onyeka, Chukwuemeka Chinweze, and Dr. Ihebuzo Peter-Ikechukwu, visionary experts in the fields of food technology and commercial agricultural fabrication, lead a team that is on the brink of revolutionizing food processing in Nigeria with the Vacuum-Assisted Tomato Dryer.

The journey through various phases of TETFAIR has been transformative for TEAM 6. They have successfully developed their initial prototype and, with the guidance of industry experts, have elevated their dryer’s capabilities to new heights. At the ongoing Bootcamp, the team is actively engaged in refining pragmatic steps that will ultimately culminate in the creation of the final machine.

TETFAIR STORIES SO FAR: Market Validation

However, no journey is without its challenges. For TEAM 6, the validation of their design emerged as a pivotal hurdle, necessitating real-time adjustments. Undaunted by setbacks, the team is determined to emerge triumphant from the third Bootcamp. Their mission entails crafting a comprehensive solution to address tomato post-harvest losses, optimizing the design, constructing and rigorously testing their advanced prototype, and, notably, extending the machine’s capabilities to process a diverse array of vegetables. This achievement holds the promise of not only curbing losses in the tomato supply chain but also acting as a springboard for the creation of a host of other innovative products.

TETFAIR STORIES SO FAR: Conclusion

The story of TEAM 6 at TETFAIR exemplifies the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing critical challenges within the agricultural sector. As they continue to refine their Vacuum-Assisted Tomato Dryer and explore new avenues, the potential impact on food processing in Nigeria is profound. Through determined efforts and cutting-edge solutions, the journey from farm to table is set to become more efficient, sustainable, and profitable for all stakeholders involved.

Introduction

TETFAIR STORIES SO FAR: With TETFAIR’s third Bootcamp in full swing, teams have converged once again at Innov8 Hub, fueled by the shared ambition to catapult their prototypes to new heights of design and functionality.

TETFAIR STORIES SO FAR: Accelerating with Brake Pads (TEAM 16)

In the intricate operation of motor vehicles, very few components hold as much importance as brake pads. This essential element stands as the guardian of safety, wielding the power to halt motion and forming an indispensable cornerstone within the vehicle’s architecture.

Startling statistics brought to light by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal an average of 18.5 million brake pads imported into Nigeria from 2000 to 2011. The troubling reality is that this trend persists, a result of fledgling productivity within industries. The repercussions are deeply felt, as numerous brake pad manufacturers have succumbed to the weight of exorbitant import costs, an issue passionately articulated by Professor Hussaini Doko, the former Director General of Raw Materials & Research Development Centre (RMRDC).

In the face of these formidable challenges, TEAM 16 at TETFAIR stepped forward. Comprising academics from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, well-versed in materials science, mechanical design, and corrosion, they stand determined to disrupt the anomaly prevalent in the brake pad production industry. Members of TEAM 16 include Prof. Tokan Aje, Prof. Ademola Adisa, Associate Prof. Bawa Mohammed and Peter Gai. Their mission unfolds through the exploration of locally available alternative materials, with a particular focus on the abundant resource of Basalt in North-Central Nigeria.

TETFAIR STORIES SO FAR: Market Validation

The TETFAIR Market Validation phase witnessed a strategic distribution of questionnaires to three prominent transportation companies. The consensus resounded clearly—there exists a resolute appetite for locally-produced brake pads that can confidently compete with their imported counterparts. Delving into meticulous research, TEAM 16 unveiled two primary factors contributing to Nigeria’s substantial market loss: reliance on imported spare parts and the pressing issue of inadequate durability. Guided by experts and mentors at Innov8 Hub, their unwavering determination fuels the refinement of samples for their newly conceived brake pads, while concurrently engineering a meticulous testing apparatus to scrutinize prototype performance.

Through the dynamic terrain of the TETFAIR journey, TEAM 16 encountered a notable challenge in the form of accessibility to the dynamometer—an indispensable element for their developing testing rig. 

TEAM 16’s vista gleams with the promise of a groundbreaking achievement: the creation of a brake pad poised to rival global benchmarks. Their innovation voyage stands as a living testament to innovation in action, encapsulating the very spirit that underscores the essence of TETFAIR. 

TETFAIR STORIES SO FAR: ANiMeD Rig (TEAM 1)

Nigeria’s agricultural sector plays a significant role in its economy, providing employment and contributing to the nation’s food security. Livestock farming, including cattle, sheep, and goats, is a crucial component of this sector. However, there exists a pressing challenge in accurately monitoring and managing livestock growth, health, and productivity due to the absence of reliable and efficient animal measurement devices.

In response to this challenge, TEAM 1 at TETFAIR have embarked on a transformative journey, culminating in the creation of ANiMeD Rig—an ingenious non-intrusive, touch-free solution that nurtures animal welfare while accurately gauging weight and linear body measurements. This pioneering endeavor assembles a dynamic team of academics from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Prof. Ayotunde Adebambo and Dr. Ayorinde Olanipekun, luminaries in the domains of animal breeding, molecular genetics, and Electronics and Control Engineering, synergize their expertise to actualize this innovative concept.

TETFAIR STORIES SO FAR: Market Validation

Every step in the evolution of ANiMeD Rig has been marked by an intricate fusion of insight and effort, from conception to realization. The arduous Market Validation phase thrusts the team into the spotlight, shining a revealing light on customer interests and genuine challenges, thus invigorating them to amplify their creation through heightened awareness. This invaluable phase, marked by profound information dissemination and enlightening experiences, is instrumental in shaping the current refinement of their prototype.

Navigating the often-turbulent sails of prototype development has been no small feat for TEAM 1. Challenges like fine tuning scale accuracy, seamlessly integrating cameras, and ensuring robust connectivity have tested their mettle. Yet, undeterred, they persevere, poised to transmute their challenges into stepping stones on the pathway to innovation.

With the transformative Bootcamp’s culmination in sight, TEAM 1 envisions a horizon where they have conquered obstacles, thereby paving the path for a device that stands not only as a technological marvel but also as a commercially viable solution. This revolutionary creation aspires to captivate the interest of investors, sponsors, agencies, and patrons, laying the foundation for widespread industrial and commercial adoption.

Join us on this remarkable journey as we celebrate the fusion of innovation and ambition, encapsulated in the journey of TEAM 1 at TETFAIR. Witness the birth of ANiMeD Rig, an emblem of progress that is set to revolutionize livestock management, empower farmers, and contribute to the metamorphosis of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Introduction

TETFAIR STORIES SO FAR: As the third TETFAIR Bootcamp takes flight, the collaborative efforts of TETFund and Innov8 Hub continue to illuminate a path for addressing societal challenges through innovative solutions, forging ahead towards the creation of successful ventures.

Unfolding within the vibrant atmosphere of the third TETFAIR Bootcamp, participants have converged to elevate their prototypes to new heights under the guidance of Innov8 Hub’s experts. Herein lie the captivating stories of teams that have embarked on this transformative journey at TETFAIR.

Resonating Innovation: The Odyssey of TEAM 12’s Hearing Aid

Emerging from an unwavering commitment to alleviate the struggles of the hearing-impaired, an affliction that affects over 10.6 million Nigerians, TEAM 12 is diligently developing a groundbreaking innovation – the Hearing Aid. The team, composed of academics from the University of Ibadan, including Dr. Adebolajo Adeyemo, Associate Prof. Bolanle Oladejo, and Dr. Oluwasola Adeniji, intertwines expertise spanning Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgery, intelligent systems, and Artificial Intelligence, to pave the way for a life-transforming solution.

Venturing into the market validation phase at TETFAIR, TEAM 12 sought the valuable insights of potential customers, scrutinizing the device’s performance and cost dynamics. Amidst this process, a resounding 66.7% of respondents underscored the paramount importance of performance over cost considerations. With global attention already lurking, the Premium Hearing Device stands poised to transcend borders, with capacity of impacting not only Nigeria but also extending its reach beyond.

While developing this prototype, TEAM 12 navigated the intricate challenges, grappling with the acquisition of a critical circuit board and the precise synchronization of audio frequencies. Yet, with unwavering resolve, these hurdles are gradually metamorphosing into stepping stones, thanks to their tenacity and guidance from adept mentors and experts. At the third TETFAIR Bootcamp, TEAM 12’s horizon is illuminated by the prospect of a functional prototype ready for crucial real-world trials within clinical settings.

ZoBox: Crafting Culinary Evolution with TEAM 9

In the kaleidoscope of Nigeria’s food processing landscape, where innovation intertwines with affordability, TEAM 9 from TETFAIR is shaping the narrative with their prototype – ZoBox, an ingenious automated Zobo-Making Machine. Hailing from the intellectual bastion of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the team, comprising the erudite minds of Dr. Nneoma Aneke, Prof. Wilfred Okonkwo, Anthony Aneke MBA, and Dr. Achuka Nwoke, bridges the domains of Food Processing, statistical and financial analysis, propelling the Zobo industry into a realm of innovation and commercial success.

According to a survey conducted by TEAM 9, over 80% of respondents confirmed their affinity for Zobo drink, lauding its health benefits and refreshing allure. However, beneath this enthusiasm, there are also concerns on hygeine. In response, ZoBox was conceived – an avant-garde prototype that not only guarantees hygiene but also promises refreshment. TETFAIR’s market validation phase resoundingly ratified the necessity of this innovation, steering clear of traditional production methods and embracing hygiene, safety, and environmental friendliness.

Embarking on the journey of prototype development, TEAM 9 developed ZoBox, subjecting it to a battery of tests and assessments, drawing upon a tapestry of constructive feedback. Despite grappling with challenges surrounding component design and material selection, the team remains buoyed by their faith in expert guidance and mentorship, poised to conquer these obstacles.

As the curtains rise on the third TETFAIR Bootcamp, TEAM 9 envisions a triumphant climax – a fully realized, operational ZoBox, standing at the vanguard of innovation, poised to redefine the landscape of Zobo production.

TETFAIR STORIES SO FAR: Conclusion

Join us in this riveting saga of innovation, perseverance, and transformation at TETFAIR – where ideas crystallize into reality and pioneers leave an indelible mark on progress.