The Polytechnic Ibadan, on Thursday unveiled made in Nigeria mechanical ventilator and automated hand washing machine produced by the department of Mechatronics Engineering.

The development, according to the institution, is aimed at combating the COVID-19 disease in the country and other related diseases. The ventilator is an essential equipment in the treatment of coronavirus patients and went through all necessary procedures. It was tested at the University College Hospital, Ibadan (UCH) last week.

The research team  who carried out  the development under the Deanship of Engr. Tijani B.O and the Rectorship of Prof. Adebiyi Kazeem include;   Engr. Olaiya Kamourudeen, Mr. Olanlere Oladeji, Mr. Oluokun Tolulope,  Engr. Bello Abdulrahaman,  Mr. Sanusi Babatunde,  Mr. Azeez O.R, Mr. Ajayeoba Israel and a consultant from the University College Hospital, Ibadan, (UCH) Dr. Adebayo Oluwaseun. Interestingly, these students are still undergoing their Ordinary National Diploma (OND).

It was also gathered that the ventilator and hand washing machine housing a dryer, were among the new innovations of the department which has just been accredited to run Higher National Diploma (HND) Programme.

The citadel of learning has equally produced hand sanitizer and face mask which were donated to the Oyo state government in support of the fight against coronavirus pandemic.

According to the Rector, Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi, while addressing newsmen shortly after unveiling the devices,  informed that  the institution  In its bid to complement the efforts of the government in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,  produced mechanical ventilator and smart hand washers.

Adebiyi disclosed  that the institution spent  about N2,000,000 (Two million naira) to produce the ventilator, noting that the cost  will be lesser if it was a mass production process. He lauded the Seyi Makindele led government for releasing grant to the institution which he claimed made it possible for the management to embark on several projects that were long overdue.

He stressed that this was the first time since 2009 that the institution would receive grant from the state government to embark on accreditation process, adding that before now, the management sometimes go as far as taking loans from banks for accreditation.

“We are just using this avenue to appreciate the government for what they have done for us. When we received the letter from NBTE that we passed all our accreditation, we were very joyful. We did accreditation for thirteen programmes and we passed all the thirteen programmes.

“Also, we did three professional accreditation programmes which we passed and that looked like magic to everybody that how were we able to achieve that and then we said, since we have the support of the government.

“When we looked at the records, the last time the institution benefitted from such accreditation grant from government was in 2009 and when the present government came on board, we were bothered because about fifteen to sixteen of our programmes were due for accreditation.

“I said, look, lets go and meet the governor, they asked if I was sure because we have not received anything from them in years, but I insisted that we make a trial.

“The governor approved our request  immediately and the grant was used judiciously for various needs; we procured necessary equipments, renovated buildings, secured accreditation for programmes, among others”, the Rector added.