The management of the University of Agriculture Makurdi headed by Prof. Kimbir presented a ventilator to the state Action Committee on the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus in Benue State.
On presenting the ventilator the team explained while it has become necessary for them to embark on this particular project. Stating that, the cost of importing the item is higher than the cost of producing it here. That the team of engineers in the university is anxious about the spread of this deadly virus which Is ravaging the entire world, so they have agreed to work on this project to help the government in order to reduce the cost of importing the machine.
Further the team explains how the ventilator can be used for two patients at a time and it can easily be taken to interior villages pointing out that the machine can work at least 24 hours without power supply. Adding that the machine is adjustable and it works for both the children and the adults. Like other ventilators this one has a battery that stored energy and it’s locally made here in Benue state by the University of Agriculture makurdi.
Responding on behalf of the action committee, the Deputy Governor Engr. Benson Abouno was so much impressed with the kind gesture demonstrated by the University. Saying we are in a great pandemic session and we need people to help prepare ways to ease it.
From the onset I never believed the project could be achieved because of the cost of production which was minimal and I was not comfortable with the proposal but I am impressed with the mechanism.
What I have seen here as an engineer I we give 99 percent for a job well done. Although there is saying that the best design in engineering is the simple design and you have proven so by this ventilator
The deputy governor also said that no nation can develop unless if the nation begins to produce so to me this is the first step that has been taken by the University so far. He urges them to look beyond the production of a ventilator.
He also thank the Vice-Chancellor of the University in particular for coming.
Finally, he advises them to go back to the drawing board so that the areas that need improvement should be done emphasizing that the government is very ready in supporting for the production of much quantity of the ventilator.
The Honorable Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism Rt Hon. Ngunan Beeka Addingi was also in attendance.
Photo Credit
By Sarwuan Simon
Media Aide to the Commissioner Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism Benue state.
