By Daud Adebayo
The Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University, Malete (KWASU), Prof. Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi SAN has announced that researchers of the University have made major breakthroughs in aircraft engineering, and reduction of post-crash explosion.
Prof. Akanbi made the disclosure on Monday (December 6, 2021) during the press briefing for the combined 8th and 9th convocation ceremony of the University, the first since he assumed office.
The Vice-Chancellor, who described the University as the pace-setter in aircraft engineering in country, noted that two students of the University have designed a light aircraft, the first of its kind in the institution.
He further stated that Engr. Abdulbaqi Jinadu of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, and five of his supervisees have discovered a way to save passengers in the event of crash through reduction of the burning ability of aviation fuel, and remodelling of the mid-section of Boeing 737 fuselage which houses the main fuel tank.
He said, “Our University is setting the pace in aircraft engineering in Nigeria. Two students, Abdulzahir Okinobanyi Usman and Israel Oluwagbemi Adeniyan under the supervision of Professor AbdulGaniyu Alabi designed and constructed a light aircraft.
“The one-sitter turbo propeller engine aircraft is set to attain an altitude of thirteen thousand feet (13,000 ft), at 220 km/h speed. The light aircraft which is the first of its kind in the University will soon be ready for a test flight.
“Considering that post-impact fire is a major cause of death in the event of an air crash, a staff of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Engr. Abdulbaqi Jinadu alongside his supervisees Ayodeji Akangbe Tunde and Haleem Olamide Olatinwo sought ways to contaminate aviation fuel in the event of a certain air crash.
“In depth research revealed a mixing ratio that successfully increased the flash and fire points of aviation fuel to reduce its ability to burn and thereby facilitate the rescue of passengers.
This same staff, Engr. Abdulbaqi Jinadu and another set of his supervisees namely Samuel Kayode Olagunju, Abdulhafeez Opeyemi Salisu, and Oluwaseun Aderugbemi Adeniyi remodelled the mid-section of the Boeing 737 fuselage that houses the main fuel tank in a way that reduces any explosion in the event of a crash.”
Prof. Akanbi, who reiterated the commitment of KWASU to “zero tolerance for indiscipline and misconduct”, further disclosed that the Students’ Disciplinary Committee expelled 87 students between 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 academic sessions.
According to him, the expelled students were involved in “examination malpractice, drug related offences, internet fraud, robbery”, among other vices.
Speaking on the issue of students housing, Prof. Akanbi noted that students are exposed anti-social and criminal influences outside the campus, adding that the University has plan to accommodate more students on campus.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria called on the authorities to make it compulsory for students to reside within school campus.
He further submitted that a regulated transportation model through partnership with a private investor on intra campus shuttle would be introduced to curb the menace of drug abuse and accidents on KWASU campus.
Highlighting the challenges of the institution, the Vice-Chancellor noted that KWASU is in need of government and private sector intervention to overcome challenges posed by poor funding, deteriorating Shao-Malete road, encroachment on the University land, and inadequate security personnel.
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