RismadarVoice Reporters, June 2, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic has unveiled plans to establish an automated poultry incubation centre aimed at boosting poultry production, promoting indigenous technology, and creating employment opportunities for young people in Akwa Ibom State and the South-South region.
The Acting Rector of the institution, Dr Akanimo Jonah, disclosed the initiative during an interaction with journalists in Ikot Ekpene, stating that the project aligns with the ARISE Agenda of the Akwa Ibom State Government, particularly its focus on economic empowerment, skills development, and sustainable livelihoods.
According to him, the proposed centre will be coordinated from the Polytechnic’s main campus at Ikot Osurua and will utilise existing engineering and technological facilities within the institution to address poultry incubation and post-production challenges faced by farmers.
Dr Jonah said the project would leverage infrastructure such as the Mechanical Engineering Workshop, Electrical/Electronic Laboratory, Mechatronics Engineering Laboratory, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Workstation, and other facilities to develop innovative solutions for the poultry industry.
He revealed that the incubation centre would be equipped with modern facilities, including a CNC fabrication machine, environmental test chamber, solar panel testing rig, automated PCB printing equipment, 3D printer, poultry hatching demonstration unit, and a solar power manufacturing line.
The rector further disclosed that the institution has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several large-scale poultry farms in the South-South region to collaborate on the design and fabrication of egg incubation machines, development of poultry equipment, as well as research and training programmes.
He noted that the partnerships would help bridge the gap between academia and industry while enhancing practical solutions to challenges confronting poultry farmers.
Speaking on the technical details of the project, the Dean of the School of Engineering and Coordinator of the initiative, Dr Aniekan Ikpe, said the centre would be built around indigenous technology and innovation.
According to him, the project will lead to the development of a fully automated egg incubator system with a 1,000-watt heating capacity, specifically designed for commercial poultry hatchery operations within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
Dr Ikpe explained that the system would incorporate advanced features, including embedded control technology, precision temperature management, automated humidity regulation, programmable egg-turning mechanisms, and real-time monitoring with safety alert systems.
He added that the facility is expected to achieve a minimum hatchability rate of 88 per cent, making it comparable to international standards in poultry incubation technology.
The engineering expert also highlighted the benefits of the proposed system, noting that it would offer greater durability, lower production costs, ease of maintenance, and opportunities for local technology transfer.
Stakeholders believe the project will strengthen poultry production, reduce dependence on imported incubation technologies, and enhance research and innovation within the agricultural sector.
The proposed centre is also expected to serve as a hub for training, research, and technology development, supporting the growth of agribusiness and contributing to food security in Akwa Ibom State and the wider South-South region.
