ASR Africa embarks on N250m laboratory project at UNILAG
Onome Amuge
R-L: Folasade Ogunsola, vice-chancellor, University of Lagos; Ubon Udoh, managing director/CEO, ASR-Africa; Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, immediate past VC, UNILAG; Lucian Chukwu, deputy vice-chancellor (Management Services); and Olakunle Makinde, the Ag. Registrar, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Laboratory Complex in UNILAG, recently.
The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), the philanthropic initiative of Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Chairman of BUA Group, has commenced the construction of a N250 million Abdul Samad Rabiu Laboratory Complex at the University of Lagos, Lagos State with a groundbreaking ceremony within the university’s campus.
The grant is part of ASR Africa’s Tertiary Education Grants Scheme (TEGS) in support of higher institutions in the country aimed at improving the quality of educational services.
The ultra-modern state-of-the-art complex, when completed, will accommodate a bioscience laboratory which comprises two wings of laboratories accessible by a central reception. Each wing will feature laboratory spaces, offices, modern workstations, six conveniences, kitchenettes alongside storage spaces.
Speaking at the groundbreaking event, Folasade Ogunsola, the vice chancellor of the university,who welcomed the ASR Africa team, expressed satisfaction with the level of support received thus far from the chairman of ASR Africa, and the BUA Group.
The vice chancellor stated that through this partnership, the university envisions a transformative impact beyond just a space for research but a hub where the brightest minds can collaborate, innovate, and discover.
“For me, today is historic. This laboratory will attract global partnerships, enhance academic programmes, and offer young scholars the resources to excel on a global stage,” she stated.
In his response, Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director of ASR Africa, applauded the university’s outstanding leadership, collaboration and dedication to the project.
Udoh remarked, “This groundbreaking marks a significant step in our shared vision to advance research and innovation in Nigeria. ASR Africa’s commitment to education and sustainable development is rooted in our belief that empowering institutions like the University of Lagos is key to unlocking Nigeria’s potential and by large, contributing to Africa’s growth.”
He further reiterated that ASR Africa is proud to be part of this journey with the University of Lagos and that together, both parties will build a sustainable foundation for future generations, ensuring that they have the access to the facilities and the platform to lead Africa’s transformation.