By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Engineering students at Saint Jean University Institute have displayed exceptional solution-based creativity during the institution’s open-door day on January 31. This event provided students the opportunity to showcase a diverse range of projects, from sustainable initiatives to interactive art, demonstrating their remarkable creativity and problem-solving skills.
Each presentation highlighted not only technical expertise but also a commitment to addressing real national and global challenges through innovative solutions. One standout project was presented by Marius Bryan Doundze Nankam Kuate, a first-year engineering student, who introduced the “Urbanix System.” Developed in just a few days, Bryan said, this traffic light system adapts in response to traffic density.
Bryan explained that it utilizes sensors at entry and exit points. “The entry sensor allows us to track vehicles entering a lane, while the exit sensor monitors those leaving. The difference between these two sensors indicates the number and type of vehicles present on that road,” he said.
Bryan elaborated on how the system calculates and allocates green light time based on the density of vehicles. “Urbanix System isn’t just about managing traffic flow; it also features three key components. One of these is a priority system,” he noted. This system includes a priority sensor for emergency vehicles, facilitating their movement during critical situations.
Additionally, Bryan’s project incorporates solar energy, giving the traffic light 24-hour energy autonomy, which is crucial in Cameroon, where electricity is often unreliable. “Our solar traffic light can run independently, ensuring it operates efficiently,” he added.
To enhance road safety, the system features a sensor that alerts the nearest police station if a vehicle crosses during a red light. “We introduced a sensor that activates only when the light is red,” Bryan stated.
Another project was the “Smart Water System,” presented by first-year engineering students Ngwenom Mardenny and Yanelle Mbogning Tiofack. This system accurately measures water usage and helps reduce waste.
Mbogning Tiofack explained, “This innovative system benefits various fields, preventing over-watering in agriculture and ensuring precise liquid measurements in the brewery industry.”
Mardenny expanded on the system’s application in agricultural irrigation, noting that users can enter the desired amount of water for their crops. The system then automatically controls the pump, delivering the correct volume.
They also discussed potential applications in the petroleum sector. “For example, users could specify a purchase of petrol—like 1,000 liters—and the system would calculate the cost. It would even notify users via SMS about the transaction,” he said.
Hugo Boyogueno, communication official at PREPA VOGT, highlighted the event’s goal of attracting over 500 students to explore what Saint Jean University Institute offers. Students from more than eight schools in Yaoundé experienced firsthand the creativity exhibited by their peers and participated in workshops, including business intelligence, geoscience, chemistry, and civil engineering.
The Saint Jean University Institute of Cameroon (IUSJC) is a leading private Catholic university and it offers both national and international degree programs. It has five schools within.
