At just 12 years old, Eniola Shokunbi tackled a problem that schools across the country have struggled with for years: unsafe indoor air.
Her solution wasn’t a multimillion-dollar system or advanced technology.
It was a simple DIY air filter built with:
A box fan
Standard air filters
A total cost of around $60
Her goal was straightforward but powerful—make classrooms safer by cleaning the air students breathe every single day.
🧪 Results That Shocked Experts
When the device was tested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the results surprised even professionals.
The low-cost filter removed over 99% of viruses from the air.
That performance rivaled—and in some cases outperformed—far more expensive air filtration systems already used in schools.
🏫 Why This Matters
Poor indoor air quality has long been linked to:
Higher illness rates
Reduced concentration
Increased absenteeism
Schools often struggle to afford advanced ventilation upgrades. Eniola’s project proved that effective solutions don’t always need massive budgets—just smart thinking.
🌍 A Bigger Lesson
This wasn’t just a science project.
It showed that:
Innovation can come from anyone
Age is not a barrier to impact
Simple ideas can solve national-scale problems
Sometimes, progress doesn’t arrive through billion-dollar programs—but through curiosity, creativity, and determination.
❓ Q&A Section
