Two 500 level
student of University of Ilorin. Ali David and Patrick Effiong constructed an
aircraft prototype. They are both in
Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The told newsmen in Ilorin that they
had nurtured the passion to construct the aircraft when they were in 100 level,
adding that it was now their final year project.
David noted that many of his
colleagues were sceptical when they first broached the subject, adding
that they were not deterred by the challenges they faced.
“What we are actually working on is a
machine that will lift up itself through the law of aerodynamics and having an
engine, a propeller and the fuselage,” he added.
Effiong, on his part, said: “With
some of our lecturers backing us, we were motivated; we decided that we can carry
out the construction.
“Ali brought the idea to me that he
had the dream of constructing an aircraft, but I didn’t really buy the idea
then and I thought he had forgotten about it.
“So when we got to 400 level,
he raised the idea again.’’
Also speaking with newsmen, the
project supervisor, Dr Tajudeen Ajiboye, said the students had
demonstrated a high level of intellectualism inspite of the challenges they
faced.
Ajiboye, who said the students
were faced with the problems of materials and manpower at the initial stage, commended
them for their tenacity to accomplish the project
