ASR Africa Commences Construction of N500m Medical Laboratory at Crescent University
ASR Africa has commenced the construction of a state-of-the-art N500 million medical laboratory complex at Crescent University, Abeokuta, to enhance medical education.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative (ASR Africa) has officially laid the foundation for a cutting-edge medical laboratory complex worth N500 million at Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, marking a significant advancement in medical education at the institution.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the university’s main campus along Lafenwa-Ayetoro Road, was led by ASR Africa’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Udoh Ubong. He confirmed that the facility, which will house three fully equipped laboratories, is expected to be completed within six months, provided there are no unforeseen delays.
Ubong noted that Crescent University was selected for this initiative due to its outstanding academic performance and exceptional track record in external professional and academic examinations, including those conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
He further revealed that Crescent University is among 30 public and private tertiary institutions benefiting from ASR Africa’s Tertiary Education Grant, with individual grants ranging between N250 million and N1 billion. ASR Africa has committed $100 million annually towards the development of educational institutions across Nigeria and Africa, with 16 ongoing projects spanning various countries.
To ensure high-quality standards and timely completion, Ubong assured that the construction firm handling the Crescent University project would be closely monitored.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Crescent University, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, described the project as a major milestone in the university’s expansion plans. He emphasized that the medical laboratory would enhance clinical training for students in the Medical Laboratory Science and Nursing Sciences departments.
Gbajabiamila expressed gratitude to ASR Africa for fulfilling its promise, highlighting that Crescent University’s Nursing Sciences Department has consistently achieved a 100 percent pass rate in the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria examinations. He also noted that the university’s reputation for academic excellence has led to increased student enrollment from across Nigeria.
The Proprietor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prince Ma’ruf Adesegun Ajibola, SAN, lauded ASR Africa for its generous donation, describing it as a strategic investment in education that will benefit both the institution and the country. He reiterated the university’s ambition to establish a medical school in the near future, with plans to introduce courses in medicine and other medical sciences.
Ajibola encouraged affluent Nigerians and corporate organizations to emulate ASR Africa’s philanthropic efforts by investing in tertiary education, stressing that such contributions play a crucial role in national development.
The event also featured a symbolic foundation-laying ceremony led by Prince Ajibola, university principal officers, and representatives of ASR Africa. As a token of appreciation, Crescent University management presented a portrait to ASR Africa, acknowledging its commitment to corporate social responsibility.
The university’s Registrar, Barr. Zakariyyah Ajibola, emphasized that the forthcoming medical laboratory complex would rank among the best in aesthetics and equipment standards across Nigerian tertiary institutions. He commended ASR Africa for its investment in education and extended best wishes to the organization’s Founder and Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu.
