A group of five (5) researchers from the Federal University Lokoja, FUL, has unveiled a revolutionary agricultural innovation named TEMPEST, promising to transform farming practices and address critical challenges facing Nigerian agricultural productivity. The innovative project, developed by a multidisciplinary research team during a TETFUND-sponsored research summit in November 2024, represents a comprehensive solution to persistent agricultural obstacles that have long plagued farmers in Nigeria's agricultural landscape.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, commended the research team's ingenuity after presenting the prototype at the 99th Principal Officers Committee’s (POC) meeting held on Monday, February 3, 2025 at the main campus, Felele. Professor Akinwumi, delighted at the groundbreaking innovation coming from FUL researchers, recognized TEMPEST as a potential game-changer in addressing Nigeria's food security challenges while noting that the prototype integrates multiple agricultural technologies in creating a holistic farming intervention.

Furthermore, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated his administration's commitment to ensuring an academic environment that fosters research, innovation, and excellence as hallmarks of a 21st-century citadel of learning. He assured the team of the University's support and commitment to encouraging such research collaborations, promising that TEMPEST would be domesticated and projected widely. 

While fielding questions from reporters from the Information and Protocol unit shortly after the demonstration at the weekly POC meeting, Professor Isah Yinusa, the team lead of the breakthrough research from the Department of Chemistry, explained the prototype's unique approach, "We looked at our environments here in Federal University Lokoja and discovered that tomato farmers suffer from white flies, soil pH, and non-availability of resources that affect their farming. We came up with TEMPEST, a solution that involves yellow light, NPK nutrient regulators, pH regulators, and a deep irrigation system, all combined in one system," he said.

The prototype's sophisticated design incorporates several cutting-edge components, including advanced sensor technology for real-time nutrient monitoring, yellow light technology to repel destructive white flies, precision nutrient regulation systems, hybrid power infrastructure, and a targeted drip irrigation mechanism. "The sensor continuously monitors nutrient levels in NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) containers, providing immediate feedback on agricultural resource requirements," Engineer Ishola Ibidun Shade from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, explained.

Similarly, Dr. Emmanuel Osaji from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering together with Dr. Victoria Yemi-Peters from the Department of Computer Science, highlighted the system's scalability. They added that, while it was initially conceptualized for tomato production and cultivation, TEMPEST's adaptable design allows potential application across multiple crop varieties. "We're not just presenting research; we're offering a transformative agricultural solution. And the time for implementation is now," Dr. Osaji affirmed.

The drip irrigation component of TEMPEST, as explained by Dr. Olakunle Ogunjabi from the Department of Physics, offers targeted root-level hydration without disturbing plant surface structures, representing a significant advancement in agricultural water management techniques.

Earlier while introducing the team, the Director of Research and Development, Federal University Lokoja, Professor Mohammed N. Suleiman, noted that the project emerged from TETFUND's directive encouraging researchers to develop practical solutions to societal challenges. He briefed POC on some of the laudable research breakthroughs the University has recorded in recent times made possible through the support of TETFund and the dedication of academic staff members.

As Nigeria grapples with agricultural productivity challenges, TEMPEST represents a beacon of hope, demonstrating how academic research can directly contribute to solving critical national challenges.

The research team, aimed at seeking investors and sponsors to transition TEMPEST from a prototype to widespread agricultural implementation, has registered for TETFAIR at TETFUND to showcase the innovation and attract potential partnerships. They remain committed to refining the prototype, with the ultimate goal of providing Nigerian farmers with an advanced integrated agricultural management system that would significantly enhance crop yields and ensure sustainability. See more pictures here

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