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.
Copyright PUNCH.