Commemoration of UNESCO World Teachers Day by the NYSC Service Innovation CDS Team and Student Nurses in Calabar, Cross River State.

On the 4th of October, 2023, in commemoration of the UNESCO World Teachers’ Day, members of the NYSC Service Innovation CDS team in Calabar, alongside Student Nurses from the College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, took part in a highly anticipated sensitization exercise at the Special Needs Education Centre Secondary School.

A group photograph of NYSC CDS members alongside student nurses showcasing a dummy non-electronic viewer

This event was a remarkable moment for both the students and the NYSC team, as well as the nurses, who collaborated synergistically to introduce a fresh approach to mosquito population control and the preservation of biodiversity. Led by Corper Benedict Ernest, the lead resource person, the team took the initiative to educate the students about the eco-friendly water-living plant known as “Aldrovanda vesiculosa.”

Corper Benedict Ernest (left) directing the session alongside class teacher (right) interpreting to the special students

This unique plant, with its carnivorous nature and a longstanding history in East Asia, particularly Japan, has proven effective in eliminating mosquito larvae and eggs. Additionally, it has shown promise in being safe for other aquatic creatures and phytoplankton, ultimately contributing to the reduction of malaria prevalence. Corper Benedict skillfully simplified the concept of this novel plant, emphasizing its potential impact on curbing malaria and preserving biodiversity.

Nurse Johnson Mercy taking a close peek at the colonies of mosquito eggs in 3D

Nurse Esther Nsa, the lead nurse, adeptly infused the discussion with vivid descriptions of Aldrovanda vesiculosa. She elucidated the plant’s morphology and its ability to thrive in its natural habitat. A highlight of the sensitization exercise was the opportunity for the students to witness, for the first time, a paper-backed electron microscopic colony of mosquito eggs in 3D.

A student observing mosquito eggs via VR viewer and she in a dramatic way arched her thumb and fingers to suggest how particulate, pelleted and tiny the eggs are, just as though she could single out one of the eggs like a grain of oat.

Furthermore, they had the privilege to observe the leaf section of the hydrophilic plant, “Aldrovanda vesiculosa.” These hands-on observations greatly fascinated the students, providing them with a deeper understanding of the concept and its practical applications.

Observation of Aldrovanda vesiculosa’s leaf by a student in close detail

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Kate Eyang, the school proprietress, and the other respected teachers who granted us permission to conduct this outreach program at Special Needs Education Centre Secondary School. Their support and interpretation efforts were vital, especially for the benefit of audio-impaired students. Special thanks are rendered to the donor and developmental partnership sub committee of Cross Riverians in the Diaspora CRID. Notably, Mr. Jake Otu and Dr. Augustine Obi for supporting our visitation.

Dr. Augustine Obi. Medical Imaging Consultant in the UK and Project Coordinator, Cross Riverians in the Diaspora CRID

CROSS RIVERIANS IN THE DIASPORA

Moreover, we would like to acknowledge Mr. Nkimusowo Ojong as a visionary behind the proof of concept for “Asymmetrical Bio-targeting of Mosquitoes utilizing an eco-friendly methodology with water-living plants in the elimination of mosquitoes and the protection of our biodiversity.” Mr. Ojong, a Japanese sponsored MEXT scholar, has played a significant role in championing this innovative approach.

A snippet on the hand-making of a virtual reality (VR) viewer mimicking Japanese Origamic paper folding by the originator, Mr. Nkimusowo Ojong

Cross section of NYSC Service Innovation members alongside Student Nurses post sensitization.

Lastly, we would like to recognize the dedicated members of the NYSC Service Innovation CDS team: Corper Benedict Ernest Nnamdi, Corper Michael Ugochukwu, Corper Ayomide David, Corper Ladi Timothy, and Corper Collins Chibuoke. Their passion and commitment have been instrumental in the success of this project. Additionally, we express our gratitude to the team of nurses: Nurse Esther Nsa, Nurse Ene Irene, Nurse Ukpong Abigail, and Nurse Mercy Johnson, who, as healthcare providers, have fervently championed this novel approach.

A comic demonstration showcasing the progressive obliteration of mosquito eggs in close contact with the water-living Aldrovanda vesiculosa plant

The sensitization exercise at Special Needs Education Centre Secondary School was not just an act of solidarity with the teachers on World Teachers’ Day, but also a pioneering effort in advocating for mosquito control and biodiversity protection through innovative means.

To give the visually impaired students a worthwhile model activity the students place their fingers in a plastic shark toy with pointy teeth in its open jaws. The safe but yet thorny teeth is to simulate the spikes on the Aldrovanda leaf that tear open Mosquito eggs and larvae that the students’ fingers represent.

The collaboration between the NYSC team and student nurses undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the students, expanding their horizons and encouraging them to become stewards of nature and advocates for sustainable practices

An all-encompassing video detailing the aftermath of the visitation to the Special Needs Education Sec. School, Calabar, by NYSC Service Innovation CDS Members alongside Nurses from the College of Nursing, Calabar.

A video presentation of the water-living plant “Aldrovanda vesiculosa” entrapping a mosquito larvae in real time!