The University of Ilorin has been selected as a beneficiary of the 2017 laboratory equipment grant by Seeding Labs, a US-based international non-governmental organisation committed to improving the standard of higher education in Third World countries, ROYAL NEWS.
The grant was presented to the representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ezekiel O. Odebunmi, at an award ceremony in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, recently.
Presenting the Grant Certificate to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovations), Prof. G. A. Olatunji, in his office, Prof. Odebunmi of the Department of Chemistry noted that the Department is one of the 16 awardees around the world selected out of 51 applications from 25 countries.
Prof Odebunmi disclosed that âthe Department has been allocated 7000 points of equipment and can request for equipment supplies, or disposable and reusable labware commonly used in Chemistry and Biological Sciences laboratoriesâ.
He explained that âthe Seeding Labs’ equipment, when received and put into use, will greatly enhance our research activities, our teaching of practical courses will deliver on addressing the issues of cancer and cosmeceuticals raised in our research proposals, as well as other health challenges. It will help our research students complete their work on time without running to other institutions and will also improve the quality of the research output of our colleagues.â
Prof. Odebunmi then expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for his support and cooperation, especially for providing the Department with the shipping expenses of $26,500 that enabled the University access the grant. He said, âI am also grateful that the Vice-Chancellor asked me to represent him at the award ceremony in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, when it became obvious he could not make itâ.
Receiving the Grant Certificate, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (RTI), noted that the Department’s effort is appreciated, saying that that accounts for why the Vice-Chancellor gave his unwavering support to ensure the success. He then encouraged other individuals to source for other avenue for equipment grants.
Prof. Olatunji then enjoined all stakeholders to keep praying for the Vice-Chancellor especially in the discharge of his duties and also pray that the University will continue to receive grants.
