COLBIOS Launches Endowment Fund Disbursement and Food Bank Initiative for Indigent Students

The College of Biosciences (COLBIOS), today, May 15, 2026, commenced the disbursement of its Endowment Fund to support indigent students, while also unveiling a Food Bank Initiative aimed at addressing students’ welfare challenges.

The event, held at the College foyer, attracted members of the Academic community, staff, and other stakeholders within the College, who gathered to witness the official rollout of the welfare-focused initiatives.

Speaking during the programme, the Dean of COLBIOS, Prof. Iyabode Kehinde, stressed the importance of providing financial assistance and welfare support for students in order to promote effective teaching, learning, and rigorous academic training within the University.

According to the Dean, the vision of the College is centred on becoming “A centre of excellence in biological research and education, fostering innovative, sustainable, and high-quality solutions to global challenges in food security, agriculture, and health.”

The Dean noted that the University’s core mandates of teaching, research, and community engagement could not be fully realised without giving adequate attention to the welfare and wellbeing of students.

She acknowledged the intervention efforts of the Federal Government through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that although the initiative had assisted many students in paying tuition fees, several students still faced difficulties with feeding and transportation expenses.

Tracing the origin of the initiative, the Dean disclosed that the Endowment Fund was established in 2023 following a donation made by Prof. Lateef Sanni during a College programme attended alongside his team from the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI).

She commended the Endowment Committee, chaired by Prof. Olufunke Shitu, alongside other members, for their dedication and commitment towards ensuring the successful implementation of the project.

A major highlight of the event was the official launch of the COLBIOS Food Bank Initiative, designed to provide food items for indigent students within the College. The Dean revealed that a designated centre would be created within the College where staff members, alumni, and other well-meaning individuals could donate food items for onward distribution to students in need.

She further disclosed that the food items distributed during the launch were donated through the Budding Leaders Empowerment Initiative (BUDLEIN), where she serves as the Executive Director. She also appealed to alumni of COLBIOS and other stakeholders to support the initiative through donations and contributions towards sustaining the programme and improving students’ welfare.