FUL gets N250m modern research centre from ASR-Africa

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative has commenced the construction of a N250 million world-class research laboratory for the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State.

This development was the aftermath of the granting of approval for the commencement of professional science courses such as Pharmacy, ICT, Nursing, and Medical laboratory technology to the university.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony which was held at the permanent site of the University on Friday, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi expressed appreciation to the BUA Group for heading the request of the University and embarking on the construction of the project.

An elated Akinwumi stated, “We at the school are full of appreciation to ASR Africa for the honour done us by giving us this project which is crucial in our efforts to get all the professional courses about to be started on a sound footing as no science course can stand without functional laboratory.”

The VC stressed that the project would address the challenge of infrastructure deficit, especially in the area of research, facing the institution and provide a learning platform for discoveries, innovations, and scientific advances in physical and life sciences.

In his response, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, thanked the management and students of the University for the warm reception accorded him and his team.

He reiterated the commitment of the Chairman to supporting quality education within the tertiary institutions across the country in continuation of ASR Africa’s various strategic commitments to the nation’s tertiary education interventions.

Udoh encouraged the management and students to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facility as a show of appreciation for the grant.

Arewa PUNCH reports that the ASR Africa grant and award process began in December 2022, and the confirmation of the university’s nomination was met with great joy by the university community.

“The Tertiary Education Grant Scheme of the ASR Africa is a personal commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa and BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu who is determined to give back to the African continent and to make an enduring impact in education as a means of uplifting and restoring the dignity and lives of Africans,” Udoh further informed.

ASR Africa is the brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.

The world-class research laboratory is one of its many interventions under its Tertiary Education Grants Scheme drawn from the ASR Africa’s US$100 million Fund for Social Development and Renewal.