North-Eastern University (NEU), Gombe, hosted celebrated self-taught legendary inventor (Dr). Usman Hadi, in a strategic visit aimed at fostering innovation, enhancing practical skills training, and driving both institutional growth and positive community impact.
During the visit, Dr. Hadi met with the Founder and Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Sani Jauro (Danlawan of Gombe), where both parties agreed on key areas of partnership. Dr. Jauro assured the inventor that the university is prepared to sponsor him at any stage necessary to bring his inventions to life.
“NEU Gombe, is ready to stand by you at any stage necessary to ensure your inventions become a reality. We believe your skills and creativity can inspire our students and uplift the community.”
The collaboration will also see the introduction of a practical entrepreneurship course, where students will learn hands-on skills directly from Dr. Hadi’s wealth of experience. Additionally, the founder pledged that NEU would provide him with a fully equipped workspace on campus whenever needed.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Usman Hadi commended the university’s commitment to innovation and pledged to contribute his expertise to the benefit of the institution, its students, and the wider community.
“I am ready to contribute my knowledge and experience to the development of this university, its students, and the community at large,” he said.
Over five decades, since the early 1970s, Dr. Hadi has developed more than 78 inventions, including a radio station, radio transmitter, a Vespa-engine helicopter, and a mobile handset all without formal Western education. One of his most famous creations is a stove that runs using only water, requiring no kerosene or gas. Built through years of trial and error, the stove harnesses the atoms and electrons in water, using copper, a speed motor, battery, burner, and water bottle to generate energy for cooking.
The visit ended with a guided tour across some of NEU’s key facilities, including the Centre for African Medicinal Plant Research (CAMPRE), the Anas Aremeyaw Anas Multimedia, Content Creation & Innovation Centre, and the Centre for Entrepreneurship.
The collaboration is expected to serve as a model for linking grassroots innovation with academic excellence in Nigeria.