Students of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Technology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), have successfully completed a multi-year prosthetics project that has restored mobility to a 60-year-old man from Kano State, Mr. Adamu Abdullahi.
Abdullahi, who lost his left leg in a road accident in 2003 while working as a truck driver, had relied on supporters to move around for more than two decades.
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He had also spent the past 11 years as a mendicant at the North Gate of FUTA before receiving a custom-made transtibial prosthetic device.
The device was presented to him on Friday, August 21, 2026, following a project initiated by Dr. Ebenezer Atoyebi of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Technology.
Dr. Atoyebi identified Abdullahi in 2023 as a potential beneficiary of a practical prosthetics project under the course, Prosthetics and Orthotics (BMT502), which he has taught since joining the university as a lecturer.
Students of the 2024/2025 academic session, known as the Class 24 set, developed the initial models of the prosthetic device, while the 2025/2026 Class 25 set completed and fully funded the final device.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Professor Isiaka Oladele, commended the students and Dr. Atoyebi for transforming classroom knowledge into a practical solution that directly impacts a member of the community.
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Professor Oladele urged students to look beyond academic work and identify challenges within their immediate environment that could be addressed through innovation and problem-solving.
He encouraged them to continue translating their academic knowledge into practical solutions capable of improving lives.
Dr. Atoyebi said the project reflected his belief that university coursework should go beyond theoretical learning and serve as a platform for addressing real and pressing challenges in society.
He said translating knowledge into tangible projects that respond to local needs was essential to fulfilling FUTA’s motto, “Technology for Self-Reliance.”
The Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, described the initiative as a commendable example of community service, which she identified as one of the important pillars of the university system.
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Professor Oladiji said with adequate institutional support and contributions from well-meaning individuals, non-governmental organisations and relevant government agencies, the department and the university could extend life-changing prosthetic solutions to more people across the country.
The initiative demonstrates the potential of university-based innovation to provide affordable, locally developed solutions to challenges faced by people living with disabilities, while giving students practical experience in applying engineering knowledge to community needs.