The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative has started the construction of a N250 million world-class research laboratory at the Federal University Lokoja in Kogi State.
This development came after the university’s approval to begin professional science courses such as pharmacy, ICT, nursing, and medical laboratory technology.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held at the University’s permanent site on Friday, Vice Chancellor Professor Olayemi Akinwumi thanked the BUA Group for spearheading the University’s request and commencing the project’s construction.
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 emphasised that the project would address the institution’s infrastructure shortfall, particularly in the area of research, while also serving as a learning platform for discoveries, innovations, and scientific breakthroughs in physical and life sciences.
In his response, Dr. Ubon Udoh, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, thanked the University’s management and students for their gracious reception of him and his team.
He highlighted the Chairman’s commitment to promoting quality education at higher institutions across the country, as part of ASR Africa’s multiple strategic commitments to the nation’s tertiary education reforms.
As a token of thanks for the funding, Udoh asked management and students to ensure that the facility was used and maintained properly.
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.