Nigerian physicist Jamilu Tanko is making waves with his groundbreaking invention, the Cyclone Furnace, a device poised to revolutionize small and medium-scale industries. Tanko’s innovation offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for drying products, holding significant potential for industries such as baking, pharmaceuticals, rice milling, papermaking, and brickmaking, as well as benefiting local communities.
As a Principal Scientist at the Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute (HEDI) in Kano, part of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Tanko designed the Cyclone Furnace to be powered by waste materials like rice husks. The device is expected to dramatically improve productivity and reduce costs for industries reliant on drying processes, giving them a competitive edge.
NASENI, recognizing Tanko’s talents and the transformative potential of his invention, is eager to support the widespread application of the Cyclone Furnace, particularly in reducing reliance on imported equipment. The agency sees Tanko’s innovation as a key factor in boosting local industries and improving Nigeria’s industrial self-sufficiency.
Tanko, who hails from Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Physics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the same institution. His passion for creating more efficient heating equipment, such as furnaces and boilers—technologies he believed were underutilized by local industries—led him to begin developing the Cyclone Furnace in 2023.
Once fully operational, the Cyclone Furnace will be capable of drying the same quantity of rice in just 10-12 hours, a significant improvement over the 48 hours typically required by imported furnaces. A member of the Nigerian Institute of Physics, Tanko’s innovation is expected to revolutionize various sectors and enhance efficiency across the country.
NASENI has expressed its commitment to supporting Tanko’s work, ensuring the Cyclone Furnace reaches its full potential and brings benefits to industries and communities nationwide. Established in 1992, NASENI aims to empower small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) by promoting the development of locally-made equipment that meets international standards, fostering a self-sustaining industrial sector in Nigeria.
