A private researcher, Mr. Alamu Muda-Ayeni, speaks on his invention of an alternative energy-generation mechanism, AKEEM LASISI reports
Like many other African countries, Nigeria has a reputation for dearth of inventions. While other countries – the United States, Japan and all – have, for centuries, been investing resources in technologies that contribute to their socio-economic growth and benefit mankind, nothing much has been done by Nigerians – including its scientists.
That is why it is only the name of the late Prof. Ayodele Awojobi that usually comes up whenever people are discussing those who have made fundamental efforts at inventions. Unfortunately, Awojobi, who was poised to invent Nigeria’s first car, died rather too young at 47.
In the midst of what many may be tempted to see as a racial curse are, however, a few people who have practically dedicated their lives to the art and science of discovery – even here in Nigeria. They make less noise but spend their time, energy and all on great ideas. In this regard, you are welcome to the world of Alamu Muda-Ayeni, who has invented SS Magnetron, a technology that, he says, can help a great deal in solving electricity problems that Nigerians are facing.
The making and potential of the device form the nucleus of his new book, Power, People and Politics: The Magnetron Technology, a new Window in Power Generation. While Muda-Ayeni made his first impact as far back as 1970 when he invented ‘Receptograph’ (also Mudagraph), a machine that made the job of a secretary less tedious when many people are seeking the attention of his or her boss, research work on the SS Magnetron has reached what he describes as the conclusive stage. According to him, a practical demonstration model is virtually ready for public presentation.
Asked to define the Magnetron technology in a layman’s language, Muda-Ayeni says in an interview with our correspondent, “It is a novel method of heavy-duty generation of electricity without the use of fossil fuel and cumbersome rotary machinery of the thermal system. Like every other generation system, its enabling magnetic field is provided by an external D.C. source (or “exciter”), while field activation necessary for induction (or generation) is effected by a small control module.”
He adds that the first brainwave on the idea of a new method of electricity generation flashed in 1968/69, but the actual commencement of practical work did not start until 1980. This shows that the researcher, who notes that he was inspired by various inventors about whom he read extensively, has spent some 33 years on the project. One can thus imagine how glad he was the day he secured what he sees as a breakthrough.
He says of his most fulfilling moment, “Obviously it is the day on which I finally put the contrived theories and designs of the Magnetron system to test successfully to prove its feasibility.”
He acknowledges the support of some individuals, many of them being members of the elite of his hometown, Ibadan, whose environment, he notes, has also been conducive for his career.
“Historically, Ibadan is known for the twin heritage of bravery and accomplishment of heroic deeds even in the face of odds,” Muda-Ayeni enthuses. “In a way, this ancestral tradition of perseverance and dogged determination to achieve has been helpful to me. Added to this is the serene Ibadan environment, which is conducive to highly intellectual work, coupled with the socio-cultural comradeship which fosters helpful interaction across the social ladder.”
He hopes that the SS Magnetron will soon be available for the generality of Nigerians and beyond. He is, however, not apprehensive about what potential investors may want to do.
Noting that the details of how SS Magnetron will work are in the book due for presentation soon, he says the potential of the device is so real that it will attract investment when the time comes for it.
He adds, “The Magnetron system is a feasible and more reliable alternative option for large-scale power generation worldwide – with the prospects of wholesale adoption at the appropriate time by governments and other institutions through various multi-national power consortia. As an inventor, my primary objective to contribute to the treasure-house of science and technology has been fulfilled. The issue of subsequent investment on the new find will follow after due processes.”
He describes as purely commercial the question of what it will take to produce a unit of the Magnetron and the amount it will go for. According to him, appropriate answers to them have to wait until the project reaches the commercial stage.
“At the present prototype stage, components have to be designed, produced and assembled at considerable expense, but when the project reaches the commercial stage, mass production of components and automation of assembly will bring down the cost of portable units to generally affordable level,” he adds.
Born at Oke-Oluokun, Ibadan on February 12 1945, his father, Agboola Adisa, was a goldsmith, while his mother, Olatundun Atole, was a trader. After elementary education in Ibadan, Muda-Ayeni proceeded to King’s College, Lagos, where he did his ‘O’ Levels and Higher School Certificate. While he has spent the longest part of his life in private entrepreneurship, especially in invention and publishing, he was also a Special Assistant to Omololu Olunloyo, during the latter’s short-lived tenure as the Oyo State Governor.
Muda-Ayeni is bothered about the future of the country in terms of research and invention. He is concerned that the mechanisms that can inspire the young into driving for discovery are lacking in the education system.
“The answer lies pointedly in the re-ordering of priorities in our educational system. The present system lopsidedly lays emphasis on mere acquisition of certificates without conscious effort to inspire creativity in the student. The side effects of this unprogressive policy have lately manifested in the forms of exam malpractices and certificate forgery in the bid to gain undue advantage in job placements and other gainful competitions. Little wonder then that it took the scourge of mass youth unemployment nationwide to awaken those in authority to the desirability of encouraging self-reliance for livelihood through vocational training, which entails some measure of practical work.
“As for means of inspiring creativity, the school curriculum should go beyond mere textbook presentation of science. It is true that extra-curricular activities like science competitions and formation of JET clubs are presently being encouraged – but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Creative inspiration actually derives from sustained exposure to records of outstanding scientists and their works, as well as practical guidelines in basic “How To” publications. Unlike instructional textbooks, however, inspirational publications on creativity have to be prepared by those actually involved in creative work.”
He identifies two major challenges as those he has to confront as he pursues invention. In practice, he says, an inventor simultaneously lives in two worlds – the vast world of creative ideas in which he is restlessly in touch with guiding elements, and the physical world of flesh and blood. In this kind of setting, he has a choice between paying more attention to mundane demands or keeping in constant touch with the guiding elements for continual flow of ideas.
“In my case, I opted for the latter at the cost of comfort. So, I had to scale down personal needs and lie low in privacy for unhindered concentration. Also, as in the case of every great objective, funding posed a serious problem but the grace of God saw me through on this over the years of earnest toil,” he explains.
No comments:
Post a Comment