The Committee of Deans of Engineering and Technology of Nigerian Universities (CODET), Ota, Ogun State, recently held the Southwest-II (Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States) 7th Zonal CODET Engineering Students’ Project 2024 Competition, at the College of Engineering, Covenant University.
The event featured three industry judges, which includes Dr. (Engineer) Felix Ajuebor, from the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Lagos; Engr Eze Simeon, from Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, Lagos and Engr Adewale George Adeyemi, from the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ota Branch, Ogun State.
Participating schools included Lagos State University, Bells University (Ogun State), University of Ibadan, Olabisi Onabanjo University (Ogun State), Federal University of Agriculture (Abeokuta), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (Oyo), First Technical University (Ibadan), University of Lagos (Akoka), Covenant University (Ogun State), Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos State), and University of Science and Technology (Ikorodu, Lagos State).
In his opening remarks, the Dean of the College of Engineering, Covenant University, Professor David O. Olukanni, highlighted the significance of the event, which focuses on showcasing the engineering innovations of students from various universities under the guidance of CODET. He explained the competition's three-stage process; initial selection within each institution, zonal level competition, and the final stage in Abuja where the winners would be announced.
Professor Olukanni elaborated on the categories of the competition, including Faculty Publications, Student Projects (single and group), and Best Graduating Student, noting that the current competition focused on student projects.
The competition featured various impressive project presentations. Felix Owabromate Joshua, from the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Covenant University, presented his project, ‘Development of an IoT Home Model for Enhanced Accessibility and Convenience for the General Public and the Physically Challenged, using Multi-modal Control Mechanism.’ The project aimed to create a smart home model, integrating state-of-the-art components such as relay modules, sensors, and microcontrollers for improved accessibility and convenience, particularly for individuals with physical disabilities.
Bankole Tobiloba, from Bells University of Technology, showcased his project, ‘Development of ZoomBot Leveraging Arduino and Raspberry Pi Technology.’ This project focused on creating an autonomous mobile robot, designed for small-scale industrial environments, capable of performing various tasks with minimal human interventions.
Yusirat Damilola Alimi, from the University of Ibadan, presented ‘Development of an Automatic Syringe Infusion Pump,’ addressing the need for precise fluid administration in low-resource settings. The project involved designing a smart syringe infusion pump, using IoT technology for remote-controlled fluid administration, aiming to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
A group from Covenant University’s Chemical Engineering Department, (Monebi Emmanuel Oluwatobi, Inivie-Yelebe Pleasant Eminizibe, Kadeer Saint Daniel, and Shonibare Oluwadamola) presented ‘Development of Roofing Planks (Trusses) from Plastic and Rice Husks,’ focusing on creating sustainable roofing materials from waste products.
Bells University of Technology’s Biomedical Engineering Group (Anomo Delight Damilare, Arole Abdulmuin, and Bayode Joshua Olorunfemi) presented their project on the ‘Design and Fabrication of a Low-Cost Electrospinning Machine,’ aimed at making nanofiber fabrication more accessible for research and industrial applications.
Engr Eze Simeon praised the quality of the projects and encouraged students to continue improving their work based on the judges' feedback. He highlighted the role of lecturers in nurturing the students' talents.
In the single project competition, the University of Ibadan emerged first with 85.3%, Covenant University came second with 76%, while Bells University of Technology came third with 72%.
In the group project competition, Covenant University secured first place with 84.35%, followed by Bells University of Technology in second place with 80.3%.
Professor David O. Olukanni, in his closing remarks, emphasized that all participants were winners and commended their efforts. He encouraged students to prepare for the national competition in Abuja, ensuring their projects were refined and ready for presentation.
The event concluded with an appreciation of the contributions from faculty, staff, and industry partners, highlighting the importance of such competitions in fostering innovation and practical application of engineering knowledge.