The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has commenced the construction of a world-class research laboratory for the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) in Kogi.

The managing director of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, said this at the project’s groundbreaking at FUL campus Felele, Lokoja

Mr Udoh said the gesture was in continuation of ASR Africa’s various strategic commitments to the nation’s tertiary education interventions.

According to him, the N250 million world-class research laboratory is one of its many interventions under its Tertiary Education Grants Scheme (TEGS), drawn from ASR Africa’s 100 million dollars fund for social development and renewal.

Mr 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.

He encouraged the management and students of the university to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facility as a show of appreciation for the grant.

Udoh noted the duration for the project’s execution would be within six months.

“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.

“At that time, the Vice-Chancellor described the gesture as a Christmas/New Year gift from God to him and the University.

“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.

“The objective is to make an enduring impact in education as a means of uplifting and restoring the dignity and lives of Africans,” Udoh said.

Earlier, the university Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, expressed gratitude to the chairman of ASR Africa for his kind benevolence, saying it would enhance the institution’s capacity for scientific inquiry and innovation.

Mr Akinwumi stressed that the project would address the challenge of infrastructure deficit, especially in the area of research, facing the institution.

Mr Akinwumi emphasised that it would provide a learning platform for explorations, discoveries, innovations, and scientific advancements in physical and life sciences.

“This is not just a donation a financial contribution; it is a powerful investment in the future of our students and our university.

“We are immensely grateful for your support and your belief in our mission,” he said.

Mr Akinwumi added that the facility would provide the students and researchers with the tools and environment necessary to conduct cutting-edge research, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and drive scientific breakthroughs.

The VC pledged the commitment of the university to judiciously utilise the facility to its fullest potential, and ensuring that the donor’s investment yielded profound and lasting benefits.

Beauty Ene-Ojo, the representative of the students’ union government, thanked ASR Africa for the invaluable gesture.

Ms Ene-Ojo stressed that the gesture was a testament to ASR Africa’s diligent effort and unwavering commitment to providing the students with the best possible learning environment.

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.

(NAN)