Engineering students showcase inventions at NUESA EPEX '17, Unilorin.

The preliminary round of the ongoing 2017 edition of Engineering Project Exhibition (EPEX’17) kicked off May 13th, 2017. It was held at the Engineering Lecture Hall (ELH) of the University of Ilorin.

The program started at around 10:30 a.m. with the opening remark by the President of the Nigeria Universities Engineering Students’ Association (NUESA) University of Ilorin branch. After the President's speech, the compere of the program introduced the participants of the first preliminary stage and mentioned that eight projects were to be exhibited. The judges were also unveiled to the audience. They include: Dr. (Mrs) Mukuolu of the Water Resources and Environmental Engineering department, Engineer Odia of the Mechanical Engineering department, Engineer Popoola also from the Mechanical Engineering department and Engineer Olatunji from Computer Engineering, and all reputable lecturers of the faculty of Engineering and Technology of the University of Ilorin.

The project exhibition started properly by calling up onto the stage the first contestant in person of Mr. Olagunju Olawale Hammed, a 500level student of the department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho. The title of his project was “An Ultrasonic Car Reversing Guide”. The project is aimed at helping drivers give directions while reversing and complementing the work of the rear mirror and side mirrors in a car.

Also, the project will help drivers detect any obstacle while reversing and give guide to the driver. He also said that he came to participate in EPEX’17 to gain more experience and witness his fellow engineers display meaningful projects.

The second project followed suit. The second participant were the duo of Mr. Obayomi Gbenga and Mr. Abogunrin Ayodeji, both 500 level students of Electrical and Electronics Engineering of the University of Ilorin. The title of their project was “Web Controlled Surveillance Robotic Car using Raspbery Pi.”

The project included the use of raspberry Pi 3, a webcam, web interface and robotic chassis. It was stated that the project will be situated in a remote area and it will be accessed via web using the appropriate browsing link. It can be used to improve security in a country as it can be used as a surveillance system and serve as a spy during war or kidnap.

The third project was presented by the duo of Mr. Folorunsho Samuel and Mr. Bamidele Emmanuel, both 500 level students of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering department of the University of Ilorin. The title of their project was “Automatic Poultry House Lightning Control System.”

It was stated that the project is aimed at fabricating an automatic system which is used to light poultry house for a certain number of hours.  The essence of the project is to ease the stress framers go through when switching on and off the lightning of poultry houses. They mentioned that the project is eco-friendly, cheap and economical. The project is also meant to inform people that the department is not all about tractor but there are other opportunities in the course.

The fourth project was presented by Mr. Ajise Toluwase, a 500level student of the Civil Engineering department of the University of Ilorin. The title of his project was “Dynamic Structure.” Dynamic building is all about making floors of a building rotate individually.

He stated that the project is a new proposition for the country as it already exist in China and few other countries. He also said engineering is all about creativity and innovation and he believes that Civil engineering can’t compete with other types of engineering like Electrical and Computer engineering, hence, his combination of Civil engineering and Architecture in his project. Through the implementation of his project, experiencing adverse weather condition (for example, hot sun penetrating through the windows) can be prevented when in a building and it serves as tourism site for the country which can increase the internally generated revenue of the country.

The fifth project was presented by Mr. Lateef Tayo Lukman, a 500 level student of the department of Electrical and Electronics engineering, University of Ilorin. The title of his project was “A 12 Channel Voice Controlled Home/Industrial Automation System.”  It was said that home automation is getting advanced and easy to use by the day and it is very important that the Nigerian society accept it.

The aim of the project is to be able to command home appliances from any place within the house.  The project is not the same as a robot because it cannot move around and cannot sense moving object. He said he got the idea on a day when he got home and he was very tired and thought that he should be able to command appliances. It is cost effective and help reduce stress when doing chores.

The sixth presentation was done by Mr. Adekunle Afolabi Toluwalase, a 100 level student of the department of Electrical and Electronics engineering of the University of Ilorin. He presented his project titled “The Rhex Crane.” He named his project after his nickname Rhex and the object looks like a crane.  It is aimed at making robotics more recognized in Nigeria. It will lead to advancement of the economy and reduction in importation of certain machines in the country.

The seventh project was presented by Mr. Oyekola Richard Olawale a 500 level student of Mechanical engineering department, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. He presented the project titled “Semi-Automatic Maize Seed Planter”. It is an agricultural equipment used in decimating the amount of seed per hole. It will help in reducing the stress farmers go through while planting.

According to him, the project is made up of an angle shoe, water pipe, a sprig title, steel and aluminum. It will encourage agriculture, reduce waste plant, increase production and stabilize food economy.

The eight presentation was done by the duo of Mr. Ajigbayi Oluwafemi Tosin and Mr. Onikayode Oluwatobi Victor, both 500 level student of the department Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin. The title of the project was “Construction of Home Utility Robot.”

It is a home utility robot employed in doing domestic chores. It consist of acrylic material, ardino and a motor shield, servos and motors, and ultrasonic sensors. It will be most helpful for old people doing home chores. It is also versatile in doing home chores.

At the end of the first round of the preliminary stage, all the eight contestants performed well and were told that an email will be sent to them to know their fate as to whether or not they will qualify for the final round.

Mr. Khalistus, the EPEx’17 coordinator gave the vote of thanks. The program came to an end by 1:45 p.m. The program is to continue by 20th May, 2017 with another round of preliminary.

Olanrewaju Ridwan (Spectra)

UCJ, UNILORIN.