Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has achieved a significant breakthrough in its drive for academic excellence and research development with the arrival of a 20-foot container of state-of-the-art scientific equipment worth approximately $400,000, donated by United States-based nonprofit organisation, Seeding Labs.
The donation was secured through Seeding Labs’ highly competitive Instrumental Access Programme and is expected to boost research, innovation, postgraduate training, and scientific discovery across the institution.
The equipment was officially received on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, by the Registrar, Dr Rebecca Okojie, alongside the Bursar, Mr John Sule Shilo, the University Librarian, Professor Sarah Yani, and Professor Sunday Atawodi.
The grant was facilitated through a successful application submitted by Professor Sunday Ene Ojo Atawodi of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. His research proposal on natural products and cancer chemoprevention earned the university international recognition and selection for the prestigious award.
The shipment includes a range of advanced laboratory instruments such as a Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography system, High Performance Liquid Chromatography system, UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, Polymerase Chain Reaction Thermal Cycler, Biological Safety Cabinet, ultra-low temperature freezer operating at minus 80 degrees Celsius, minus 20 degrees Celsius freezer, research microscope, analytical balance, and several other sophisticated research tools.
Speaking with our correspondent, Professor Atawodi expressed gratitude to Seeding Labs for approving his application and providing the university with cutting-edge equipment that will enhance research, teaching, and innovation.
He noted that the impact of the equipment would be maximised through the establishment of a Central Research Laboratory that would serve researchers from various faculties and departments.
According to him, a centralised laboratory would promote interdisciplinary collaboration, improve access to specialised equipment, and position the university to provide research services to scholars from neighbouring institutions and the wider academic community.
Professor Atawodi also stressed the need for dedicated infrastructure, including specialised electrical installations, to ensure the efficient operation of some of the advanced instruments.
He further advocated regular training for researchers and technical staff to guarantee proper maintenance, sustainability, and effective utilisation of the facilities.
The professor observed that many of the newly acquired instruments are rarely found in universities within the North-Central region, adding that they would significantly strengthen research in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, environmental sciences, and related fields.
The development represents another milestone under the leadership of Professor Ibileye, whose administration has continued to prioritise research excellence, institutional growth, strategic partnerships, and the provision of facilities that support quality teaching and learning.
Information provided by Seeding Labs indicates that the shipment contains valuable laboratory equipment and scientific materials aimed at enhancing teaching and research activities at the university.
The donation is expected to improve postgraduate and postdoctoral training, provide researchers with access to modern scientific tools, and create new opportunities for collaborative research both locally and internationally.
With the arrival of the equipment, Federal University Lokoja is set to strengthen its research culture, drive scientific innovation, attract more research funding opportunities, and contribute more effectively to national development through knowledge generation and technological advancement.
