Federal University Lokoja Secures $400,000 in Advanced Scientific Equipment from US Non-Profit to Elevate Research Capacity

The Federal University Lokoja, FUL, has recorded a major milestone in its pursuit of academic excellence and research advancement following the arrival of a 20-foot container of advanced scientific equipment valued at about $400,000 from a United States-based nonprofit organization, Seeding Labs.

The donation, secured through Seeding Labs' globally competitive Instrumental Access Programme, is expected to significantly strengthen research capacity, postgraduate training, innovation, and scientific discovery across the university.

The equipment was formally received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, by the Registrar, Dr. Rebecca Okojie, the Bursar, Mr John Sule Shilo, the University Librarian, Professor Sarah Yani, along with Professor Sunday Atowodi.

The donation was facilitated through a successful grant application submitted by Professor Sunday Ene Ojo Atawodi of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology under a research proposal focused on natural products and cancer chemoprevention.

The success of the application earned Federal University Lokoja international recognition and selection for the award.Among the sophisticated instruments received are 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 capable of operating at minus 80 degrees Celsius, minus 20 degrees Celsius freezer, research microscope, analytical balance, and several other facilities for advanced scientific investigations.

Fielding questions from our reporter, Professor Atawodi expressed profound appreciation to Seeding Labs for considering his application and for supplying the Federal University Lokoja with sophisticated research equipment to aid research, innovation and learning.Atawodi stated that the facilities would deliver greater impact if deployed through a Central Research Laboratory accessible to researchers across different faculties and departments.

He explained that a centralized facility would encourage interdisciplinary research, improve access to specialized equipment, and enable the university to provide laboratory services to researchers from neighbouring institutions and the wider academic community.

Professor Atawodi further emphasized the need for dedicated infrastructure to support the effective operation of the equipment, including specialized electrical installations required for some of the sophisticated instruments.He also advocated continuous training for technical personnel and researchers to ensure proper maintenance, sustainability, and optimal utilization of the facilities.

Atawodi also noted that many of the instruments are rarely available in universities across North Central Nigeria and are expected to substantially enhance research in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, environmental sciences.