A young inventor from Kano State, northern Nigeria, Khalifa Aminu, has developed an innovative solution aimed at improving mobility for the visually impaired.
Khalifa Aminu, 18, has engineered a pair of sensor-based smart glasses designed to detect obstacles and help blind individuals navigate their surroundings independently.
The device, which Aminu calls the “Blind Glasses,” uses a combination of ultrasonic and infrared sensors to alert users to nearby obstructions through an audio signal.
Aminu’s prototype has already been successfully tested by a visually impaired man in Kano, who praised the invention and suggested several enhancements, including a wireless switch and a more compact design.
Khalifa Aminu’s Prototype
Aminu began developing the device in 2023, building it entirely from locally sourced materials and without access to institutional funding or formal engineering tools.
His primary objective was to create an alternative to the walking stick that offers greater functionality and dignity to visually impaired individuals.
“This device allows blind people to walk freely without being dependent on anyone,” Aminu told reporters. “I want to give them back their independence.”
Aminu’s other inventions include a radio transmitter, a bomb detector, a farm spraying system, and a locally made canoe.
Despite his limited resources, Aminu has continued to create functional devices with real-world applications; earning recognition from both the public and government agencies.
Reaction from the public
In June 2024, Aminu was contacted by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), which expressed interest in testing and supporting the further development of his Blind Glasses. Most recently, in May 2025, the Kano Patriotic Front (KPF) announced a full sponsorship of his education and inventions.
As part of this support, KPF provided Aminu with tools, a workspace, and a laptop to facilitate the next phase of his work. He is also connected with non-governmental organizations and innovation hubs to refine and potentially mass-produce the smart glasses.
WHO visually impaired data
According to data from the World Health Organization, over 26 million people in Africa live with visual impairments, yet access to assistive technologies remains limited. Aminu’s invention demonstrates the potential of homegrown, low-cost tech solutions to fill these critical gaps.
Aminu’s ambition now is to scale up production, improve the device with added features such as voice prompts and night navigation support, and eventually establish a small manufacturing facility in northern Nigeria. His goal is to make the smart glasses available not only in Nigeria but across West Africa.
