By; ADAMA JOHN, Lokoja
Construction of a N250 million world-class research laboratory donated by Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa to Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State has commenced at the Felele main campus.
In addition, the institution has gotten approval for professional science courses such as Pharmacy, ICT, nursing and medical laboratory technology.
The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) laid The foundation laying ceremony of the N250 million world-class research laboratory was performed by the Abdul Samad Rabiu over the weekend at the main campus of the ivory tower.
Speaking on the groundbreaking ceremony held at the permanent site of the year institution, the vice Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi expressed appreciation to the BUA group for heeding the request of the University by heeding the request on time.
“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 start on a sound footing as no science course can stand without functional laboratory.”
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.
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 tertiary institutions in Nigeria in continuation of ASR Africa’s various strategic commitments to the nation’s tertiary education interventions.
He encouraged the management and students to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facility as a show of appreciation for the grant.
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, 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.
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 and 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 (TEGS), drawn from ASR Africa’s US$100 million Fund for Social Development and Renewal.
