The Federal University Oye (FUOYE) has attracted about N44l million worth of laboratory and scientific equipment to boost teaching and learning.

The equipment were attracted in furtherance of the pledge of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Abayomi Fasina, to strategically deploy the instrument of international and institutional collaboration to take the fast growing university to greater heights.

The first set of equipment, worth about 250,000 dollars, which was facilitated by two top officers of the university, Prof. Oluyide Lawal, Director Research and Development and Prof. Olufunke Akintayo, former Director Academic Planning, was made possible through the proactive intervention of the vice chancellor who immediately ensured that the US$10,000 counterpart institutional fees required for logistics leading to the release of the equipment and installation was promptly paid in view of the fact that over 137 institutions from 39 countries applied for donations.

The second donation, successfully facilitated by Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, Deputy Vice Chancellor Strategic Partnership, Research, Innovation Linkage, was the acquisition of a CASES GPS receiver worth US$15,000 from Virginia Tech through the VT-NigerBEAR project, which did not require institutional funding by FUOYE.

Fortunately for FUOYE, due to Prof. Akintayo’s affiliation with the Schlumberger Foundation’s Faculty for the Future fellowship, the donor, Seeding Labs, provided a US$17,800 subsidy while the outstanding balance of US$10,000, required to complete the process and take delivery of the facility was promptly provided by the university.

The equipment include 163 sophisticated research items, PCR thermal cyclers, chromatography systems, rotary evaporators, and heating baths.

In his remarks, Seeding Lab’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Melissa Wu, lauded the application and swiftness of the university in meeting its obligations.

According to him, FUOYE’s application “demonstrates the values and vision to unlock scientific potential.”

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Olubunmi Shittu, while expressing his delight, poured accolades on his boss for the feat.

“We must acknowledge that Prof. Fasina’s swift financial intervention ensured FUOYE gained access to this invaluable scientific facility. His unwavering support for research and innovation continues to place FUOYE on the global map,” he said.

With the newly installed equipment, FUOYE’s research capacity, especially in chemistry, agriculture, and allied disciplines, is set to scale new heights.