Ibadan: Dr Adam Muritala, a don at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, has announced the invention of the Afri-inverter and the establishment of the African Pro-Humanity Technology Hub (APHTH) to enhance research commercialisation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Muritala, an Associate Professor and the Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at OAU, highlighted that the Afri-inverter is an indigenous technology with most components sourced locally. He noted that unlike imported inverters that use wet batteries and are heavy, the Afri-inverter utilizes a lithium battery, making it lighter and more efficient. Muritala is seeking investors to produce the Afri-inverter at a reduced cost, making it more affordable for Nigerians.
The invention showcases African innovation and demonstrates that African minds can address the continent’s challenges. Muritala’s project aims to revolutionise research and development in Nigeria, particularly in tertiary institutions, and reduce reliance on imported technologies. APHTH will serve as a platform for African-invented technologies and AI-driven education to bridge the gap between research, innovation, and real-world impact.
Muritala emphasized the importance of empowering African talents and indicated that APHTH seeks to address the issue of engineering graduates not contributing significantly to national development. He elaborated on this issue in his book, “Towers of Hope, Halls of Despair: A Journey Through Nigeria’s University System,” which analyses Nigeria’s university system and explores areas such as colonial legacies and university funding.
He concluded that reforming universities is crucial for national progress, positing that universities are the engine rooms of national advancement.