Three FUOYE academics win N300m global grants
The Federal University Oye Ekiti has lauded three scholars in the institution for securing multi-million naira world-class research facilities capable of enhancing the institution’s research capacity and expanding access to global-standard scientific education.
The three academics are the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships, Research, Innovation and Linkages, Prof Joshua Ogunwole; Director of Research and Development, Prof Olayide Lawal; and a Professor of Industrial Chemistry, Olufunke Akintayo.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Olubunmi Shittu, according to a statement in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, by the Special Adviser on Media to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Abayomi Fasina, praised the three distinguished academics for the successful acquisition of the advanced research facilities, describing it as a significant institutional milestone.
According to the statement, Ogunwole attracted a state-of-the-art Connected Autonomous Space Environment Sensor GPS receiver, valued at $15,000, described as a major boost to scientific and technological research capacity, which FUOYE has installed.
It added that “the cutting-edge equipment awarded by the Virginia Tech College of Engineering, United States, under the VT-NigerBEAR project, “is a sophisticated device designed for cutting-edge space science research and is expected to significantly enhance FUOYE’s capacity to monitor and analyse space environment data.
“This recognition not only reaffirms Prof Ogunwole’s unwavering commitment to driving scientific advancement in Nigeria but also highlights the transformative potential of strategic academic leadership in cultivating global partnerships that catalyse institutional and national development,” it stated.
The statement announced that Profs Lawal and Akintayo secured Seeding Labs equipment consignment through the support of the VC, Prof Fasina (currently on leave), who approved the $10,000 requirements of the university to acquire the high-impact research equipment from Boston, United States and also paid an extra N2m from his pocket for other logistics.
It stated, “The Department of Chemistry, FUOYE has added a significant feather to its cap by emerging as a recipient of the highly coveted and prestigious Instrumental Access Award from Seeding Labs, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
“With this award, the Department of Chemistry, FUOYE has proudly secured a place among the 137 global awardees of the Instrumental Access programme, representing institutions from at least 39 countries around the world.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Seeding Labs, Dr Melissa Wu, in a congratulatory letter to FUOYE VC, commended the university and expressed satisfaction with the application submitted by Prof Lawal and Prof Akintayo.
Wu stated, “Our mission is to increase access to resources for science in developing countries, and by participating in Instrumental Access, you will be joining our community of 137 awardees in 39 countries worldwide.
“We look forward to working with you and your colleagues across the university to equip your scientists and students with the laboratory tools necessary to conduct life-changing research and to train the next generation of scientists.”
FUOYE acting VC, Prof Shittu, took pride in the department’s achievement, describing it as a clear reflection of the university’s rising profile on the global academic and research stage.
“We are grateful to Seeding Labs and the Schlumberger Foundation for this opportunity to expand our research capabilities and global impact,” he said.
Key highlights of the award, according to the statement, included the delivery of 163 laboratory equipment and supplies to FUOYE, with a replacement value of $250,000.
Notable among the equipment are FPLC Chromatography System, AKTA Explore, Desiccator cabinets, balances, Buchi Heating Baths, Rotary evaporators, chemical dryers, PCR thermal cyclers, and refrigerators, among others.
