Young Nigerian Innovator Overcomes 15 Setbacks to Create Fuelless Generator, Secures $5,000 Investment

Oyekunle Michael, a determined Nigerian innovator, overcame 15 failed attempts to create a fuelless generator, earning a $5,000 investment from the Tony Elumelu Foundation to help make sustainable energy accessible for all households.

In a remarkable feat of perseverance, a young Nigerian named Oyekunle Michael has successfully developed a generator that operates without the need for fuel, overcoming 15 unsuccessful attempts in the process.

Oyekunle, a computer science graduate from Interlink Polytechnic in Nigeria, was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Tony Elumelu Foundation for his groundbreaking innovation.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Grant aims to empower aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa, providing $5,000 each to foster economic growth, combat poverty, and create job opportunities.

Oyekunle’s inspiring journey traces back to his childhood when he moved to Ibadan, Nigeria, to live with his uncle after his parents’ separation. Growing up in an area plagued by frequent power outages, he struggled with basic tasks such as reading at night.

“Do you know the pain of trying to read at night without electricity? We relied on lanterns, and it was a huge challenge. You couldn’t even watch TV because there was no power,” he reminisced.

These challenges ignited his desire to innovate, leading him to envision a generator that could operate independently of fuel, aimed at improving not just his life but also the lives of those in his community.

Oyekunle first discussed his idea with his physics teacher, who encouraged him by affirming that it was achievable. However, financial constraints made it difficult to bring his vision to fruition. Driven by determination, he worked part-time jobs to fund both his studies in computer science and his project.

After 15 unsuccessful attempts and an investment of over ₦250,000, Oyekunle succeeded in creating a prototype of his fuelless generator in 2022. Constructed from scrap metal, his generator is capable of powering household appliances, including TVs, fans, and lights, similar to traditional fuel-powered generators. However, securing funding remained a persistent hurdle.

Initially applying for the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) grant in 2021, Oyekunle faced rejection. Undeterred, he applied again in 2023 and was delighted to finally receive the non-refundable $5,000 (over ₦7 million) seed grant.

“Honestly, I never thought I would be selected. My primary goal is to undergo comprehensive Business Management Training because my first attempt in 2021 was unsuccessful,” he stated.

Oyekunle expressed immense gratitude toward Tony Elumelu, a prominent African investor and philanthropist, as well as the foundation for acknowledging his efforts.

As the CEO of Mailko Technology Limited, Oyekunle is now focused on making his eco-friendly generator accessible to low-income households. His overarching ambition is to achieve mass production, ensuring that every home and office can access stable electricity without dependence on costly fuel.

“Our mission is to provide reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions to every individual, home, and office, irrespective of their income level,” he affirmed.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION