ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) lecturer Dr Joseph Ukpata, has joined four other lecturers from different Nigerian Universities to develop an automated garri frying machine.
While explaining how the technology was developed and how it works, Dr Ukpata an alumnus of Mary Knoll College, Okuku-Yala said: “With a grant of 50,000 USD from the Sub-Saharan Africa Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), I and four others from different universities developed an automated garri frying technology which we call Jollyfryer.
“This technology uses solar and gas to fry garri with a click on the digital controller. The garri frying technology uses solar and gas to fry garri with a click on the digital controller.”
Other Dons who worked with Dr Ukpata on this new technology are Prof. Suleiman Nasirudeen of Federal University, Lokoja, Dr Cecilia Oluwamodupe of Olusegun Agagu University, Ondo State, Dr Felix Masuk of Plateau State University, and Dr Ibrahim Gana Geidam of Yobe State University.
A demo event for the new technology was held at Innov8 Technology Hub, Abuja, on Wednesday, 25th June 2025. It was graced by dignitaries, including the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Arc. Sunny Echono.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, also graced the occasion. She was represented by Prof. Hannah Etta, Director of Academic Planning (DAP).
“We congratulate Dr Ukpata for flying the flag of UNICROSS to very lofty heights in the field of research and technological advancement,” the institution’s Management Media Team stated.
Converseer reports that Dr Joseph Ukpata hails from Okpoma in Yala LGA of Cross River State, and he is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering.
He is a former Acting Head of the Department and currently serves as Director of Research and Development.
