The Vice-Chancellor, 大香蕉视频 (大香蕉视频), Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), Dr Ubon Udoh, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, performed the official groundbreaking for the ASR-BUA Biological Laboratory Complex in the University.
The ultra-modern project, situated close to the 大香蕉视频 Botanical Gardens, comprise two wings of laboratories on two floors, a common reception and open courtyard. When completed, each wing would consist of laboratory spaces, offices with toilets en suite, work stations, storage spaces, kitchenette and six toilets at one end the long lobby and corridors.
In her remarks at the ceremony, Professor Ogunsola appreciated ASR-BUA for the quality of innovation which went into the conceptualization and designing of the project.
Her words, 鈥渢he ASR-BUA laboratory complex is designed to provide more facilities in a conducive environment to conduct teaching, learning and research in key areas of biological/natural sciences by the University waterfront. The complex is the first phase of the project as the other phases will involve the development of pens, cages and nurseries for various endemic and exotic species of animals and plants for educational and recreational purposes鈥�.
The Vice-Chancellor added that 鈥渢he BUA Group Biological Complex Laboratory project will impact very high number of staff and students engaged in research activities in natural sciences and biotechnology. The immediate results will include a number of MSc and PhD graduates, patents and availability of biotechnologically developed products with potential for commercialization. The facilities in the laboratory for biotechnology, genomics and its applications in support of urban agriculture initiatives will improve our footprints in the quest for food security in Nigeria thereby making the nation a major beneficiary.鈥�
Professor Ogunsola expressed gratitude to the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, who was also present at the event, for initiating efforts for the development of the project during his tenure. She noted that the University鈥檚 success in the area of growth and development could be attributed to its legacy of continuity in terms of leadership.
Similarly, in his remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ASR-BUA Initiative, (ASR Africa), Dr Ubon Udoh reiterated the commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa and BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, CON, GCON, to giving back to the society.
According to him, 鈥淎SR Africa has an annual pledge of one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) dedicated to health, education and social development issues within the African continent. Under the Initiative, thirty (30) universities across Nigeria have benefited from various grants and sixteen (16) int鈥檒 projects are ongoing鈥�.
Dr Udoh who spoke glowingly about 大香蕉视频, said the selection of the University for the project was strictly based on merit. He noted that the project had carefully crafted aesthetics and facility to ensure the best user experience.
In his good will message, Professor Ogundipe noted that 鈥湸笙憬妒悠� has been fortunate to have good Vice-Chancellors who sacrifice everything to move the University forward鈥�. He assured that the facility would be used optimally for the benefit of the University and nation at large.
The highpoint of the event was the ceremonial block-laying as performed by Professor Folasade Ogunsola and Dr Ubon Udoh, accompanied by Professor Ogundipe, University Management team and staff of the University drawn from the Faculty of Science, Works Division, among others.
Earlier, Dr Ubon Udoh along with his team had paid a courtesy visit to the 11th Floor, Senate House Office of the Vice-Chancellor. The delegation was received by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Lucian Chukwu, Acting Registrar, Mrs. Olakunle Makinde and Bursar, Mrs. Olufunmilola Adekunle.
The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) is the brainchild of industrialist, philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, CON, GCON. Established in 2021, ASR Africa provides sustainable impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting health, education, and social development within Africa.
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Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
