By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Engineering students at Saint Jean University Institute demonstrated exceptional, solution-focused creativity during the institution’s Open Day on January 31.
The event provided students with an opportunity to present a diverse range of projects, from sustainable initiatives to interactive art, highlighting their remarkable innovation and problem-solving skills. Each presentation emphasized not only technical expertise but also a commitment to tackling real national and global challenges.
One standout project was presented by first-year engineering student Marius Bryan Doundze Nankam Kuate, who introduced the “Urbanix System.” Bryan developed this adaptive traffic light system, which responds to traffic density, in just a few days.
He explained that the system uses sensors at entry and exit points. “The entry sensor tracks vehicles entering a lane, while the exit sensor monitors those leaving. The difference indicates the number and type of vehicles on that road,” he said.
Bryan elaborated that the system calculates and allocates green light time based on vehicle density. “Urbanix isn’t just about managing traffic flow; it also features a priority system for emergency vehicles, facilitating their movement during critical situations,” he noted.
Additionally, the project incorporates solar energy, providing the traffic light with 24-hour energy autonomy – a crucial feature in Cameroon, where electricity supply can be unreliable. “Our solar traffic light can operate independently, ensuring consistent functionality,” he added.
To enhance road safety, the system includes a sensor that alerts the nearest police station if a vehicle runs a red light. “We introduced a sensor that activates only when the light is red,” Bryan stated.
Another notable 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 sectors, preventing over-watering in agriculture and ensuring precise liquid measurements in the brewery industry.”
Mardenny detailed its application in agricultural irrigation, where users can specify the desired amount of water for their crops. The system then automatically controls the pump to deliver the correct volume.
The students also discussed potential uses in the petroleum sector. “For example, a user could request 1,000 liters of petrol, and the system would calculate the cost and even send an SMS notification about the transaction,” he said.
Hugo Boyogueno, Communications Officer at PREPA VOGT, highlighted the event’s goal of attracting over 500 students to explore what Saint Jean University Institute offers. Pupils from more than eight schools in Yaoundé witnessed their peers’ creativity and participated in workshops covering business intelligence, geoscience, chemistry, and civil engineering.
The Saint Jean University Institute of Cameroon (IUSJC) is a leading private Catholic university offering both national and international degree programs across its five constituent schools.