ASR AFRICA KICK-OFF THE CONSTRUCTION OF AWORLD-CLASS RESEARCH LABORATORY FOR FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, LOKOJA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has commenced the construction of a world-class research laboratory for the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State. This is in continuation of ASR Africa’s various strategic commitments to the nation’s tertiary educationinterventions. The world-class research laboratory is one of its many interventions underitsTertiary Education Grants Scheme (TEGS), drawn from ASR Africa’s US$100 million Fund for Social Development and Renewal.

Speaking at the groundbreaking event for the project, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. OlayemiAkinwumi, expressed his gratitude to the Chairman of ASR Africa, for his kind benevolence towards the University. He stressed that the project wouldaddress the challenge of infrastructure deficit, especially in the area of research,facing the institution and provide a learning platform for discoveries, innovations, and scientific advancesin physical and life sciences.

In his response speech, the MD/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh,thanked the management and students of the University for the warm reception accorded to 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 to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facility 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. 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 Africaand 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.