- A Nigerian girl has received funding in the USA after building a valuable device that could filter and purify the air
- The device resulted from a class assignment and is said to be capable of removing 99% of viruses in the air
- The 12-year-old girl, Eniola Shokunbi, received $11.5 million (N19.4 billion) in funding to mass-produce the device
A girl of Nigerian origin is being celebrated online because of her scientific prowess.
Eniola Shokunbi, a fifth-grade pupil, was given an assignment in class, which led her to create something valuable.
Source: UGC
According to the story, 12-year-old Eniola was a student at Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy in Middletown, Connecticut, where the class assignment was given.
The class was tasked with producing a solution to a possible future pandemic, such as COVID-19, which spread through the air.
Eniola’s impressive efforts resulted in her air purifier, which is said to be of low cost.
After rigorous testing at the University of Connecticut, it was confirmed the air purifier could remove 99% of viruses from the air.
Also, Eniola’s device was further tested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which confirmed its efficacy in purifying the air.
Eniola explains how air filter works
Following the success story of Eniola’s invention, the Connecticut State Bond Commission has approved $11.5 million (N19.4 billion) in funding for its mass production for schools.
Reacting, Eniola explained how the $60 (N101,000) device works:
“The air goes through all the sides, and it comes out of the top, so it filters in and out.”
She said she hoped people would continue to fund scientific solutions. Her words:
“A lot of people don’t realize that the only thing standing between them and getting sick is science.”
On her website, she explained further:
“I played a pivotal role in securing an $11.5 million grant to fund the construction and installation of DIY air filters in schools throughout Connecticut. With this determination, I aim to expand my efforts to ensure that every classroom nationwide and around the world benefits from cleaner air.”
Eniola’s story has been shared by many social media platforms, including on X by @mymixtapez.
Nigerian engineer reacts to Eniola’s success abroad
Speaking to Legit.ng on the development, an engineer, Ziko Abara, said Eniola may not have received the funding support if she were to be in Nigeria.
Ziko studied electronics and computer engineering at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
His words:
“Who cares about air quality development in Nigeria? Talk more about funding such an idea… It’s in areas where the fight against negative climate change is active that her work will thrive in.”
Ziko said lack of funding was one of the greatest impediments facing innovators such as himself in Nigeria.
Ziko, who built a jet engine, said:
“I’d say funding, and an enabling environment. Let me use myself as an example, the jet engine project development has gulped about N1.2m. If we didn’t have the resources and support to do it, we’d never have done it. I see many creators building their ideas with paper and cartons and it’s sad to see.
“An enabling environment will also help, maybe engineering and research facilities in universities can be opened up to young engineers who have the drive to work.”
See the post below:
Reactions as Nigerian girl invents air filter system
@Triggerx09 said:
“See as life easy for saner climes, tell me say if to say na there you dey run this stuff, Elon or other people never go don put better money behind am. It’s well shaa, you will get there.”
@UncleOsas_ said:
“Saw her on the news the other day. Super impressive.”
@femmymafia said:
“Nigerians would have been one of the greatest people ever created if not for the bad guys in the system!!!!! Go Girlllllll. We’re solidly behind you baby girl!!!”
Boy builds prototype of filling station
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian boy went viral after his innovation surfaced online.
The boy built a prototype filling station that looked so beautiful that people praised him.
When asked to operate the prototype filling station, he took one of the pumps and pumped liquid out.
Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng