AUST President and Team Secure Patent for Innovative Sugarcane Processing Machine

The President of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Engr. Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FASalongside a team of Nigerian researchers, has been granted another Patent for an invention titled “Flywheel-Energized Manual Sugarcane Juice and Bagasse Production Machine.”

The patent, issued by the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the Patents and Designs Act, officially recognizes the invention and grants its inventors exclusive rights for a period of 20 years, beginning from October 21, 2025.

Other inventors listed on the patent include Engr. Dr. Micheal Chukwuemeka Amonye (AUST, Abuja); Olufemi Pius Olugbenga (National Board for Technology Incubation, NBTI, Abuja); Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello; Dr. Fayen Ngasoh; and Engr. Chidiebele E.J. Uzoagba (AUST, Abuja).

According to the letter conveying the patented product, the Federal Government, through the Office of the President, expressed readiness to support inventions capable of advancing public good and technological development across the country. The patent gives the inventors the sole legal authority to produce, sell, license and commercially benefit from the innovation within the Federal Republic of Nigeria throughout the patent period.

The technology introduces a new approach to small-scale processing of sugarcane, combining manual operation with flywheel energy efficiency to improve juice extraction and bagasse output. The invention is expected to contribute significantly to value addition in agricultural processing, rural enterprise development and local technology solutions.

The patent was sealed on 9th September 2025 and signed in the name of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

AUST has so far patented thirteen research feats. This achievement further strengthens AUST’s position as one of Africa’s leading science, technology and innovation-driven institutions, advancing home-grown solutions for industrial development challenges.