Secondary school "drop-out" builds hand-free handwashing device with local materials

Victor Chukwunonso Nwobi may not have the brain and universally-acknowledged ingenuity of German-born theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, but the 42-year-old Nigerian is securing his presence as another problem solver-- and absolute genius, all thanks to his daring innovation.

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The Anambra-born but Zaria-based young man invented a hand-free hand-washing device from the scratch with all the materials used for the device locally sourced.

According to him, the drive behind the innovation is because he wanted to contribute his artistry towards curtailing the menace of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic which is responsible for the death of over 2.5 million people according to Worldometers.

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Speaking with Legit.ng on the device which he named "washman soap and water dispenser'', the young genius disclosed that he began the making of the device in 2020 when the coronavirus hit the world.

Nwobi said the handwashing device "offers the ability to wash hands without touching" it in what totally eliminate the possibilities of contamination.

"The benefit is that contrary to the conventional water bucket widely being used, this device offers the ability to wash hands without touching the device (eliminating the possibilities of re-contamination)

"It has an adjustable wash hand basin to accommodate heights of Little kids and adults, this makes it unique, it has a four-litre liquid soap compartment," the 42-year-old told Legit.ng.

Exploring the features of the device

Nwobi told Legit.ng that the handwashing device was done through sturdy designs to ensure its longevity.

a. soap level indicator

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The device, among its wonders, is that it has a soap level indicator which is an analogue gauge that indicates the availability and quantity of soap in the liquid soap compartment.

"This is very important so as not allow the soap drop below the stipulated level as this might create air pockets, making the device malfunction," Nomso said.

b. pedal control

The device also has two feet pedals that control the function of water and soap dispensers. What users need is to use the feet to press the soap dispensing pedal if they need soap -- or press the water dispenser in other cases.

The machine has a four-litre liquid soap compartment and can be connected to water tanks, pipe-borne water supply etc.

Another unique feature is that it can be repaired by someone with knowledge of plumbing, though according to Chukwunonso it is built with a "sturdy design."

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I still wish to go back to school

Nomso dropped out of Senior Secondary School (SSS) in 1994 due to a lack of finance and family support.

However, he still wishes to return back to the classroom to fulfil his dreams of becoming a mechatronics engineer.

Government should help, I have a lot of inventions

Just like Nigerian genius struggling to see the light, Nwobi is bravely creating a path for himself. But it will take government and community support to full explore the genius in him.

The 42-year-old said he has a lot of inventions waiting to be executed, but he is being hindered by lack of tools and funds. He urged the government to help him with loans.

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"I have lots of inventions waiting to be executed, but lots hindrances including lack of tools, equipment and funds. I will want the government to come in in the aspect of granting a loan to accelerate the production of these inventions.

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"I'm presently into innovations and inventions and hoping to get funds to produce them.," he said.

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Rahaman Abiola is a result-oriented journalist and content writer with a firm grip of over 5-year corporate experience stranding diverse roles in digital & traditional media and social media communication.

A published literary writer, freelancer and public commentator, he has written over 100 essays covering diverse issues on economy, politics and current affairs, entertainment and leadership published in virtually all notable Nigerian national dailies and digital media in Nigeria.

He is a graduate of English Literature, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Follow him on Twitter via @ShugabanR.

Source: Legit.ng