A graduate of Mechanical Engineering Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Prof. Hippolite Amadi, has won the 2023 edition of the Nigeria Prize for Science.
Prof. Amadi’s novel scientific work on respiratory technologies for preserving the lives of newborns comprise a non-invasive Neonatal Ventilator, an Oxygen Delivery Blender System, and an Oxygen Splitter System, all powered by solar energy.
These innovations, it was gathered, have undergone testing in various Nigerian hospitals and have proven to be cost-effective, leading to significant reductions in neonatal care expenses.
Meanwhile, Commending this innovative healthcare solution, President Bola Tinubu expressed delight that the Nigerian scientist’s innovation has already reduced neonatal care costs significantly and saved lives in verified hospitals that have adopted the use of the solar-powered neonatal ventilator.
The president praised Prof. Amadi for utilizing his extensive expertise in medical engineering and technology, particularly in the development of cost-effective medical solutions, to enhance the well-being and advancement of Nigerians and people worldwide.
He emphasized that the impactful contributions of this distinguished Nigerian scientist will play a crucial role in increasing the survival rate of Nigerian infants and equipping them for a brighter future, enabling them to become positive catalysts for change, not only within their country but also on the global stage.
The prize money for this award is $100,000.
Prof. Amadi, a distinguished professor of Medical Technology at Imo State University and a visiting professor of Medical Engineering and Technology at Imperial College London, graduated from ASUTECH, now ESUT in 1988, and equally bagged Master in Engineering in 1991 from the same Institution.
It was equally gathered that he was a runner up at the grand finale competition organized by the medical division of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, IMECHE, London in July, 2003.
The 2003 competition with over 1,400 entries from universities across the globe was the 15th annual event of IMECHE to determine the world best medical engineering project.
It was further learnt that his Master of Science dissertation at the Imperial College, London, which earned him the award in 2003 was tittled “The Effect of Meniscofemoral Ligaments on Tibiofemoral Contact Pressure.”
Findings revealed that the work addressed age long medical question on an aspect of the mechanics of the human knee joint and genesis of asteoarthritis.
