By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), has commenced the construction of a N250 million world-class science research laboratory for the Federal University Lokoja in Kogi State.
This was coming after the granting of approval for the commencement of professional science courses such as Pharmacy I CT and nursing Medical laboratory technology to the university by the National University Commission, (NUC), last week.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony held at the permanent site of the University on Friday, the vice Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi expressed appreciation to BUA group for granting the request of the University and embarked on the construction of the project.
“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”.
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 of BUA group 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, which is expected to be completed in six months, 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, 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.
Photo: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, left and Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, VC FUL during the foundation laying ceremony on Friday