BOUESTI Delegation Visits FUTA Central Research Laboratory for Benchmarking and Collaboration

A technical delegation from the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI), has undertaken a working visit to the Julius Okojie Central Research Laboratory (JOCRL) of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), to understudy its structure and operations as part of plans to establish a similar facility at BOUESTI.

The delegation, led by the Director of Academic Planning, Dr Olumide Otutu, was received by the Director of JOCRL, Professor Folasade Olajuyigbe, alongside members of the laboratory’s management and technical staff.

Dr Otutu explained that the visit was motivated by the strong reputation of FUTA’s Central Research Laboratory as a leading hub for multidisciplinary research in Nigeria. He stated that the delegation was keen on learning from the laboratory’s layout, equipment configuration, operational standards, and management framework. According to him, the visit also provided an opportunity to understand the challenges involved in running a central research facility and the best practices that have sustained its success over the years.

Welcoming the team, Professor Olajuyigbe described the JOCRL as a centre where innovation, advanced research, and excellence converge. She reaffirmed the laboratory’s commitment to supporting high-impact research across multiple disciplines and fostering collaboration within and outside the university system. She noted that JOCRL remains open to partnerships with academic institutions, industry, and government agencies to drive research that addresses both national and global challenges.

She highlighted the laboratory’s specialized facilities and cutting-edge equipment in areas such as plant tissue culture, cancer research, biotechnology, and related fields. Professor Olajuyigbe expressed confidence that collaboration between FUTA and BOUESTI would contribute meaningfully to strengthening Nigeria’s research and development ecosystem.

She also acknowledged the consistent support of the FUTA management and commended the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, for her visionary leadership in advancing the university’s research infrastructure.

The BOUESTI delegation subsequently embarked on a guided tour of the laboratory to inspect its infrastructure, equipment, and functional layout.

Members of the visiting delegation included Engr. Osadugba Abiola, Dr Oluwatoyin Osanyilokun, Mr Richard Olusanya, Mrs Olorunfemi Adebusola, Engr. Ayo Oloyede, Arc. Ajiboye, and Arc. Felix Omotayo.