A 500 level student of the Department of Computer Engineering, University of Ilorin, Mr. Okunlola Emmanuel Olarewaju, has invented an automated hand-washing machine.
While disclosing his invention on Wednesday July 22, 2020, Emmanuel stated he invented the machine in order to assist in the fight against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He added that he was motivated by the machines produced in other places.
“I saw an operator use his leg on a pedal before either water or liquid soap could come out.
“I was encouraged by the words of encouragement from our lecturers who often advised us to deploy our knowledge to bring out innovations for mankind,” Emmanuel said.
The young inventor, an indigene of Ilora in the Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State, noted that he was motivated to come up with the invention as his own contribution towards the “collective war” being waged against the Coronavirus pandemic.
He pointed out that the machine was designed and produced to automatically dispense water and liquid soap into the hand of the user with ease so as to give room for personal hygiene.
Although he studied Computer Engineering, his exposure to other aspects of Engineering through different courses he took from other Departments, propelled him to attain the feat.
Speaking on the cost of producing a unit of the Machine, Emmanuel said that if produced in a large quantity, it would cost N180, 000 only.
He needs to be encouraged by the Government to boost his morale to use his thinking faculty the more.