The Federal University Lokoja(FUL) has benefited a world-class Research Laboratory from the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) which will gulp the sum of N250m.
The MD/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh in conjunction with the Vice chancellor of FUL, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi observed the ground breaking exercise of the world research laboratory project in the institution on Friday at its permanent site in Lokoja, with fanfare.
According to Dr Udoh, the efforts of ASR Africa in the institution is the continuation of its various strategic commitments to the nation’s tertiary education interventions.
“The world-class research laboratory is one of its many interventions under its Tertiary Education Grants Scheme (TEGS), drawn from ASR Africa’s US$100 million Fund for Social Development and Renewal.
“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, 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.
“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”, he said.
While Dr Udo reiterated the commitment of the Chairman to supporting quality education within tertiary institutions in Nigeria, he encouraged the management and students to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facility as a show of appreciation for the grant.
However, the MD/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, thanked the management and students of the University for the warm reception accorded to him and his team, assuring that the project will be completed as scheduled, and to its specification.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, expressed his gratitude to the Chairman of ASR Africa, for his kind benevolence towards the University.
He 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.
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).
It was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.
