As part of its research in the production of an Eco – friendly Mosquito repellent, a new essential oil plant was recently commissioned in Bingham University.

The Research which is a joint initiative between Bingham University and Kaduna State University funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) under the National Research Fund.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Vice- Chancellor of Bingham University Professor William B. Qurix,OFR explained the concept of the essential oil plant and situated it to the ongoing research and development drive of the University.

He encouraged members of the university community to focus on research and development towards achieving a sustainable development goal. He expressed his gratitude to the Vice- Chancellor of Kaduna State University, Professor Muhammad Tanko who was represented by the Director of Research, Professor Ibrahim Inuwa for the collaborative effort.

“The essential Oil Plant has a 20kg per hour raw material processing capacity with a three-in-one cooling system. Through a high throughput research protocol, both Universities will develop an Eco-friendly Mosquito repellent fabric and other products (such as Mosquito repellent ointment and spray) from indigenous plant materials. Our products are to revolutionalise and support the World Health Organization (WHO) in the fight against mosquito bite and ultimately malaria fever with a 97% risk factor among the Nigerian population; causing a high rate of Maternal and infant mortalities”, he said.

It was noted that the Essential Oil Extraction Plant is the first of its kind in the North - Central zone of the Country.

This will give a major boost to the much needed drive for Research and Development to the Nation.

Present at the commissioning where delegates from Kaduna State University and Bingham University Principal Staff and Deans of faculties.