The 3D Research and Training Center of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI) has begun the production of 3D facemasks as part of their contribution towards the prevention of coronavirus in Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large.
The research coordinator, Ms. Chiaka Nnodi who presented a prototype of the facemasks to the vice-chancellor, Prof. Chinedu Nwajiuba, noted that they started researching immediately the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a pandemic.
She added that the 3D face masks could be also used for online training on 3D technology in the light of the present COVID-19 challenges.
She, however, described AE-FUNAI, as the young but fast-growing school, noting that is fast becoming the driving engine of the 3D printing technology in the South East.
“As soon as COVID-19 set in and was declared a pandemic by World Health Organisation (WHO), and in response to the clarion call for actions on prevention of the virus disease during the national press conference of March 13, 2020, on COVID-19 hosted at the university campus by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, the 3D Research team at the AE-FUNAI/IMAPS Research Station, under the able leadership of Ms. Chiaka Adaure Nnodi, as coordinator of the centre swung into action to explore the solutions the 3D printer could proffer in the global crises, applying its addictive technology.”
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“The AE-FUNAI/IMAPS Research and Training Centre, an initiative of Ms Nnodi of the department of Fine and Applied Arts, was established when the VC signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Steinbeis Institute for Material Applications and 3D Solutions (IMAPS) on the 6th of April, 2018.
“The 3D printing or additive technology has been said to have so much great potential in the Medical, Engineering, Manufacturing, Fine and Applied Arts and other relevant fields.
“We are attributing the success story to the visionary and development-oriented leadership of Prof Chinedu Nwajiuba, as VC of the highly reputable institution.”
While commending the team for a job well done, the VC challenged the team to produce the prototype of aĀ 3D ventilator.