Here is a project topic suggestion that addresses key issues in Ilorin while aligning with sustainable
development goals and having a low capital requirement:
"Low-Cost Water Filtration Systems Using Locally Sourced Agricultural Waste Materials"
Project Goals:
Design and test affordable household water filtration systems using agricultural byproducts in the Ilorin
region to provide clean drinking water, addressing Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health &
Wellbeing) and 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation).
Project Description:
Many communities near Ilorin lack access to clean, safe drinking water, leading to health issues like
typhoid, diarrhea and cholera. With agriculture being a main economic activity around Ilorin, there are
ample supplies of agricultural wastes like husks, straws and coconut fibers which can be upcycled as lowcost, sustainable water filters using materials engineering techniques.
This project will collect various agricultural waste samples, characterize their mechanical/adsorption
properties, and experimentally develop water filtration systems out of these locally available materials.
The filtration systems will be optimized for contaminant removal efficiency, flow rate and lifespan
through materials processing techniques like compositing, activation and nanostructuring while
requiring no electricity to operate.
Overall this project can pilot decentralized, easily maintained drinking water purification systems made
from abundant regional waste biomass that are affordable for rural/periurban households near Ilorin.
The filters can help tackle waterborne diseases, boost health & sanitation and reduce waste, enabling
progress towards key SDGs.
The project has low capital requirements as it mainly relies on widely available biomaterials and basic
materials lab equipment for development and testing. The solution can be further enhanced as a
scalable product for local needs as well as a model for sustainability-driven innovation globally.
Project Topic: Development and Pilot Implementation of a
Low-Cost, Open-Source Water Quality Monitoring System
for Ilorin Communities
Addressing SDGs: SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Problem Addressed:

Limited access to safe drinking water: Many residents of Ilorin lack access to
clean and safe drinking water, leading to health problems and waterborne
diseases.

Insufficient water quality monitoring: Inadequate monitoring of water quality
poses significant health risks and makes it difficult to identify and address
contamination sources.

Limited resources for water treatment: Many communities lack the resources to
invest in expensive water treatment infrastructure.
Project Description:
This project aims to develop and pilot implement a low-cost, open-source water quality
monitoring system for Ilorin communities. The project will focus on:

Designing and building a portable water quality monitoring device: Utilizing
readily available sensors and microcontrollers to measure important water quality
parameters like pH, conductivity, turbidity, and nitrate levels.

Developing open-source software for data collection and analysis: Creating a
user-friendly app for data visualization, trend analysis, and real-time notifications.

Piloting the system in selected communities: Training community members to
use the system, conducting water quality tests, and providing feedback for
improvement.

Disseminating the project results and promoting widespread adoption: Sharing
the open-source software and technical knowledge with other communities and
government agencies.
Project Timeline (3 Months):

Month 1: Design and development of hardware and software components.

Month 2: Pilot implementation in selected communities, data collection and
analysis.

Month 3: Refining the system based on feedback, finalizing documentation, and
dissemination of results.
Benefits:

Improved access to safe drinking water: Real-time water quality monitoring
empowers communities to identify and address contamination sources, enabling
informed decisions about water usage and treatment.

Empowerment and community engagement: The project involves and empowers
community members in water quality monitoring and decision-making, promoting
ownership and sustainability.

Reduced waterborne diseases: Early detection of contamination reduces health
risks and improves community well-being.

Low-cost and scalable solution: The open-source design allows for replication
and adaptation in other communities, maximizing the project's impact.
Low Capital Requirements:

The project utilizes relatively inexpensive sensors and microcontrollers,
minimizing hardware costs.

The open-source software eliminates licensing fees and enables widespread
adoption without financial barriers.
Minimal Labor Requirements:

The system is designed for ease of use and minimal maintenance, requiring
minimal ongoing labor input.

Training community members ensures local ownership and sustainability of the
project.
This project offers a practical and impactful solution to address water quality concerns in
Ilorin communities. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting
access to clean water, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable
development.
Title: "Innovative Waste-to-Energy Solution for Sustainable Power Generation in
Ilorin, Nigeria"
**Objective:**
To develop and implement a low-cost waste-to-energy system using locally
available materials and waste resources within Ilorin, aiming to address energy
challenges and contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 - Affordable
and Clean Energy.
**Rationale:**
Energy accessibility is a critical issue in many communities, including Ilorin. This
project aims to create a sustainable and affordable energy source by converting
organic waste into biogas or biofuel, promoting environmental sustainability, and
aligning with SDG 7.
**Methodology:**
1. **Waste Resource Assessment:** Conduct a survey to identify and quantify
organic waste streams within Ilorin, focusing on readily available materials such as
agricultural waste, food waste, and organic residues.
2. **Biogas/Biofuel System Design:** Develop a simple and cost-effective wasteto-energy system design that can be easily implemented within the local context.
Considerations should include the types of waste available, local climate
conditions, and the energy needs of the community.
3. **Material Selection:** Identify and utilize locally available and affordable
materials for the construction of the waste-to-energy system. Emphasize the use
of recycled or repurposed materials to minimize costs.
4. **Community Participation:** Engage with local communities and waste
management authorities to foster cooperation and garner support for waste
collection and segregation efforts.
5. **Pilot System Implementation:** Implement a small-scale pilot of the wasteto-energy system in a selected community, demonstrating its viability and
effectiveness in converting organic waste into usable energy.
6. **Monitoring and Optimization:** Continuously monitor the performance of
the waste-to-energy system, gathering data on energy production, waste
conversion rates, and environmental impact. Optimize the system based on
feedback and performance metrics.
7. **Community Education:** Conduct awareness campaigns and educational
programs to inform the community about the benefits of the waste-to-energy
system and encourage sustainable waste management practices.
**Expected Outcomes:**
1. Generation of renewable energy from local organic waste sources.
2. Reduction in the environmental impact of organic waste through effective
waste-to-energy conversion.
3. Contribution to achieving SDG 7 by providing an affordable and clean energy
solution.
This project not only addresses the energy challenges in Ilorin but also promotes
environmental sustainability by converting organic waste into a valuable resource.
It is designed to be cost-effective, achievable within a 3-month timeframe, and
involves community participation for long-term sustainability.