Idowu Abdullahi
Nigerian researchers have developed a smart cooling device for transporting and storing medical supplies such as vaccines and diagnostic samples.
Different vaccines require different storage temperatures, and maintaining the correct conditions in cold rooms is crucial for preserving their potency and effectiveness.
Exposure to temperatures outside the recommended range could degrade the vaccines’ active ingredients, according to the World Health Organisation.
Developing innovative solutions for their storage and distribution has become increasingly important as the demand for vaccines continues to rise.
Globally, WHO approximates that almost half of all vaccines are discarded annually.
But a team of researchers from the Federal Polytechnic Ede has developed CoolTech, described as “the world’s first smart cooling device for last-mile vaccine delivery”.
The researchers, led by Dr. Ben Festus, explained that the device is self-powered and eco-friendly designed with renewable energy solutions.
Festus, who is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, said, “This pioneering invention is a self-powered, portable, eco-friendly cooling unit incorporating renewable energy solutions and aligning with Industry 4.0 standards.”
“CoolTech features advanced IoT capabilities for real-time and remote monitoring, artificial intelligence to maintain optimal vaccine temperatures (2–8°C), and a robust predictive analytics algorithm for proactive management. This solution is designed specifically for application in cold chain management,” Festus explained in a statement on Sunday.
According to him, CoolTech has been officially registered under the Patents and Design Act, with the Ministry of Trade and Investment (NG/PT/NC/O/2024/14353), marking the Federal Polytechnic Ede’s first patent since its establishment in 1992.
Festus, an alumnus of the institution, however, said the team’s success exemplifies the immense potential of polytechnic education in driving technological advancement and innovation.
Reacting to the innovation, the Association of Science Laboratory Technologists Worldwide and NISLT congratulated Festus and his team for their contribution to the healthcare sector.
“This innovation has brought Nigeria into the global spotlight of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and positions Nigeria on a competitive pedestal in health technology.
“The CoolTech team is currently engaging stakeholders in the healthcare sector to commercialize this homegrown solution through sustainable partnerships and collaborations,” the statement quoted the association as saying.
ASLTON, however, hoped that the innovation would inspire further groundbreaking achievements from science technologists across research institutions, industries, universities, and polytechnics nationwide.
The professional body also urged the Federal Government to urgently address the BSc/HND dichotomy, emphasizing the critical role technical education plays in sustainable national development.
“We believe that tapping into the abundant potential of Science Laboratory Technology is vital for equipping Nigeria with the skills and technologies needed for global competitiveness. We call on the government to prevail on the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to release the omnibus version of the scheme of service for the profession which is long overdue.
“This achievement by Dr. Ben Festus and his team underscores the transformative power of Science Laboratory Technology as a profession and sets a precedent for future innovations that can drive Nigeria’s development and global standing,” the association added.
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