NASENI’s promising talent: Physicist Jamilu Tanko and his groundbreaking Cyclone Furnace innovation
Nigerian physicist Jamilu Tanko is making headlines with a groundbreaking invention that promises to revolutionize small and medium-scale industries. His innovation, the Cyclone Furnace, presents a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for drying processes, with far-reaching applications in sectors like baking, pharmaceuticals, rice mills, papermills, brickmaking, and 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 has developed the Cyclone Furnace, which is powered by waste materials such as rice husks. This sustainable approach offers a practical alternative to traditional drying methods and imported equipment, positioning Tanko’s invention as a game-changer in improving productivity and competitiveness in industries dependent on efficient drying systems.
NASENI, which discovered this talented physicist, is eager to harness the full potential of Tanko’s innovation. The agency sees the Cyclone Furnace as an opportunity to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on costly imported industrial equipment, thus empowering local industries and fostering self-sufficiency.
Born in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, Tanko holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Physics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is currently pursuing his PhD in Physics from the same institution. His passion for developing more efficient heating equipment—especially furnaces and boilers, which he observed were underutilized by local industries—led him to embark on the Cyclone Furnace project in 2023.
Once fully operational, the Cyclone Furnace will dramatically reduce drying times for products like rice, cutting the process from 48 hours, as required by imported furnaces, to just 10-12 hours. This significant improvement in efficiency is expected to benefit numerous industries nationwide. Tanko’s membership in the Nigeria Institute of Physics further underscores his commitment to advancing scientific and technological innovation in the country.
Recognizing the far-reaching impact of this invention, NASENI has expressed its commitment to supporting Tanko’s work. The agency aims to ensure that the Cyclone Furnace reaches its full potential, providing benefits not only to Nigerian industries but also to local communities that depend on efficient and affordable industrial solutions.
Founded by Decree No. 33 of 1992, NASENI was established as a key government institution for technology development in Nigeria. Its mission is to empower small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) by imparting technologies, engineering principles, and practices that align with international standards. Through the development and production of locally sustainable equipment like the Cyclone Furnace, NASENI continues to play a vital role in driving the growth of Nigeria’s industrial sector.
