In the face of Nigeria’s energy crisis, rising costs, and climate change, Yusuf Shamsudeen, a 30-year-old Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST) graduate, has developed a groundbreaking cooking stove that runs on water. This ingenious invention aims to address these challenges and create a sustainable solution for households.
Yusuf Shamsudeen, an indigene of Kano State, lost his product on a tricycle while returning from an interview where he had showcased his remarkable creation. Despite this setback, his invention stands on the verge of gaining global recognition, potentially becoming a key element in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 and 15.
While speaking exclusively to Daily News 24, he said, “It’s been stolen. We had a video interview with a DW reporter last year. On my way back home, I forgot it at the back of the tricycle I boarded. All efforts to recover it proved abortive.”
Shamsuddeen hinted that he has been using the water stove since he developed it before it was stolen. “Yes, I was using it before I lost it.”
Shamsudeen shares how he personally used the water stove prior to its unfortunate loss. The stove operates through a combination of chemical compounds and water, utilising a pump and pressure tank to generate sufficient power. It primarily relies on water, with minor chemical components. At an affordable cost of at least N400, a single purchase can last a household for three to four weeks.
“The stove uses water and some chemical compounds to operate. In the setup, we have a pump and pressure tank, and the combination produces enough power to fire the stove. That is just the simple mechanism behind the system. It mainly uses water, but there are some chemical components. When one buys at least N400, it will last them for three to four weeks.” He said.
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While Shamsudeen has been diligently working on improving his invention, he reveals that it is still in its prototype stage. Once completed, the water stove is projected to be priced between N3000 and N4000 per unit. Although recognition has been modest so far, various foreigners and Nigerians have expressed support and promised to assist him in his full venture.
“I was visited by several foreigners from Korea, Spain, China, India, and some Nigerians. All gave some support to encourage me and promised to be back for the full venture.” He said.
Asked if he plans to develop another stove, Shamsudeen confirms he is already in the final stages of creating an automated Minimum Viable Product (MVP). His ultimate goal is to produce a compact stove that resembles a cylinder, ensuring easy portability. However, his major obstacle lies in securing funding to finalise the project and make it accessible to a broader population.
“Yes, I am 80% done with my final automated MVP (prototype). It should be ready before October this year.” He stated.
Shamsudeen highlights funding as the core challenge impeding the completion and commercialization of his invention. To successfully launch the water stove in the African market and beyond, he estimates needing substantial financial support for thorough research on the stove’s environmental impact. Millions of Naira are required to mass-produce the product, offering a solution that can be readily embraced across the continent.
“The challenge is funding. How to get sponsors so that proper research will be carried out on the environmental impact of the new stove and how to check it. We will actually be looking at a huge fund to be able to commercialise the product.
“This is because this kind of invention can be easily sold to users across Africa and beyond. I can say we need millions of Naira to get to the point of producing it in commercial quantities for the African market and beyond.” He added.
Motivated by his Chemistry background and a desire to make a difference, Shamsudeen embarked on the journey of invention. The water stove is just one of his remarkable projects, with others on the horizon, such as producing cheaper gasoline from vehicle tires and water sachets. Additionally, he aims to create accessible and affordable electricity solutions to alleviate the burdens faced by communities.
On what motivated him to embark on the invention, he said: “As a graduate of Chemistry from Kano University of Science and Technology, KUST, I have always carried out the research. And this is not the only project that I have done.
“This is a project I did, just like a replica of cooking gas. I called the project Space XL I. I am also working on another project, Space XL II, which is going to make gasoline much more available and cheaper. We are going to be making that from vehicle tyres and pure water sachets.
“If I finish that project, we are going to be getting a litre of petrol for N50. Similarly, I have another project that will make electricity easy, available, and affordable. The essence of the projects is to bring succour to the people by making things easy for them.” He said.
Yusuf Shamsudeen, a brilliant KUST graduate, has revolutionised cooking through his water-powered stove invention. His dedication, resilience, and passion for engineering sustainable solutions make him a beacon of hope for Nigerians and the world. As we eagerly await his forthcoming inventions, Shamsudeen’s commitment to making our lives easier inspires us to envision a greener, more efficient future.
