A final-year Physics student of the Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, Daha Muhammad Albakari, has developed an Artificial Intelligence-powered system designed to detect and prevent fire outbreaks at an early stage.
The innovation, known as the AI FIRE SYSTEM, combines computer vision, embedded artificial intelligence, Internet of Things technology and environmental sensors to monitor surroundings and identify potential fire hazards in real time.
The university disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Public Affairs, Abdullahi Bello.
According to Albakari, the system was developed to address limitations in conventional fire alarms, which largely depend on smoke or heat sensors and may only respond after a fire has already developed.
He said the AI-powered system was designed to provide earlier warnings by continuously analysing visual and environmental information, while also reducing false alarms associated with cooking smoke, steam and dust.
Albakari said his motivation was the need for an affordable and locally developed technology capable of detecting fire risks before minor incidents escalate into major disasters.
He explained that the system uses an ESP32-CAM to capture images in real time, while environmental sensors monitor temperature and gas concentration.
The information is subsequently analysed by an embedded AI model, which determines whether the environment indicates fire, smoke or normal conditions and assesses the level of risk.
“Once a potential hazard is detected, the system activates local alarms and can transmit notifications through Wi-Fi or GSM connectivity,” Albakari said.
Unlike conventional systems that mainly trigger alarms after detecting smoke or excessive heat, the student said his innovation could combine different environmental indicators to provide more useful information for decision-making and emergency response.
He added that the technology could be deployed in homes, schools, hospitals, offices, markets, hotels, warehouses, factories, filling stations and other locations considered vulnerable to fire outbreaks.
According to him, the use of relatively affordable hardware and locally developed AI technology could make intelligent fire-safety solutions more accessible in Nigeria.
The university described the invention as a reflection of its commitment to research, innovation and practical solutions to societal challenges.
It said the project was also in line with the Vice-Chancellor’s 11-point agenda, adding that innovations by students and staff would help strengthen the institution’s visibility and standing in academic and technological research.
The university’s recognition of the project underscores the growing role of Nigerian tertiary institutions in developing technology-driven solutions to local challenges, particularly in areas such as public safety, disaster prevention and smart infrastructure.
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