FUL Receives $400,000 Scientific Equipment Donation From US-Based Seeding Labs

The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has received advanced scientific equipment valued at approximately $400,000 from United States-based non-profit organisation Seeding Labs, marking a major boost to the institution’s research and innovation capacity.

The equipment arrived in a 20-foot container secured through Seeding Labs’ globally competitive Instrumental Access Programme, a development expected to enhance research, postgraduate training, scientific discovery, and innovation across the university.

The equipment was formally 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 Ene Ojo Atawodi.

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

The successful application earned Federal University Lokoja international recognition and selection for the award.

Among the sophisticated equipment received are a Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) system, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system, UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) 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 instruments designed for advanced scientific investigations.

Speaking on the significance of the donation, Professor Atawodi expressed appreciation to Seeding Labs for supporting the university with state-of-the-art research facilities.

He noted that the equipment would significantly improve research, innovation, and learning within the institution and urged the university to establish a Central Research Laboratory to maximise the impact of the facilities.

According to him, a centralised research facility would promote interdisciplinary collaboration, improve access to specialised equipment, and enable the university to provide laboratory services to researchers from neighbouring institutions and the wider academic community.

Professor Atawodi also highlighted the need for supporting infrastructure, including specialised electrical installations required for some of the sophisticated instruments.

He further advocated continuous training for technical personnel and researchers to ensure effective maintenance, sustainability, and optimal utilisation of the equipment.

He observed that many of the donated instruments are rarely available in universities across Nigeria’s North-Central region and are expected to significantly strengthen research activities in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, environmental sciences, and other related disciplines.

The donation is expected to position Federal University Lokoja as a stronger hub for scientific research and innovation while expanding opportunities for cutting-edge investigations and collaborative research initiatives.