BREAKING: 12-Year-Old Nigerian Girl Events Air Filter, Secures $11.5 Million Funding

 

Eniola Shokunbi, a 12-year-old Nigerian girl residing in Connecticut, USA, has captured global attention with her invention of an innovative air filter designed to reduce the spread of airborne diseases in American schools. Recognizing the importance of affordable and effective health solutions, her design received a substantial $11.5 million in funding approval from the Connecticut State Bond Commission, aimed at implementing her air filtration system across schools in Connecticut.

Shokunbi, a fifth-grade student at Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy in Middletown, was inspired to create a solution after her class was assigned a project to enhance school safety in the event of future pandemics. Drawing from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she designed a simple yet efficient air filter system tailored for classroom use. This invention underscores the importance of scientific innovations that prioritize accessibility and effectiveness.

The design of Shokunbi's air filter highlights both practicality and ingenuity. Comprising a box fan, four furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard, the system's assembly is remarkably straightforward, keeping production costs at approximately $60 per unit—a fraction of the price of commercial air purifiers. Shokunbi explains, “The air goes through all the sides, and it comes out of the top. So it filters in and out.” Her design combines simplicity with effectiveness, making it an appealing solution for schools seeking affordable safety measures.

Shokunbi’s concept was tested rigorously in collaboration with scientists from the University of Connecticut (UConn). Following these tests, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed the device’s capability to eliminate over 99% of airborne viruses, solidifying its potential to significantly enhance classroom safety. Recognizing the profound impact of this innovation, the Connecticut State Bond Commission approved funding through UConn’s SAFE-CT: Supplemental Air Filtration for Education Program, ensuring widespread implementation of Shokunbi's design across the state. This program’s goal is to provide every public school classroom with access to these vital air purification systems.

Looking beyond Connecticut, Shokunbi envisions her air filters becoming a staple in classrooms across the United States. Her aspiration reflects her belief in the power of science to safeguard health. “A lot of people don’t realize that the only thing standing between them and getting sick is science,” she emphasized, advocating for greater investment in scientific solutions to protect children’s health in educational environments.

Shokunbi’s achievement not only highlights her talent and vision but also serves as an inspiring reminder of how young minds can contribute to solving global challenges.