FUTA and OAU Explore Collaboration to Enhance University Laboratories

Experts in the science and laboratory sector have highlighted the critical role of collaboration and adequate funding in maintaining high standards in university laboratories.

This was underscored during a recent familiarization visit by the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Central Science Laboratory Committee to the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Central Research Laboratory.

The OAU delegation, led by Professor Olusegun Babalola, Director of the Central Science Laboratory, expressed strong interest in potential partnerships, emphasizing the benefits of inter-institutional collaboration. A major focus of the visit was to examine FUTA’s innovative approaches to sustainable laboratory funding, which have been key in maintaining operational excellence.

Professor Babalola noted that the OAU team was particularly keen on learning from FUTA’s best practices in laboratory management. Key areas of interest included sustainable funding strategies, remittance procedures for laboratory proceeds, electricity and water supply management, equipment maintenance, and overall operational essentials.

Speaking on the visit, Professor Folashade Olajuigbe, Director of FUTA Central Research Laboratory, described it as timely and strategic, providing an invaluable platform to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore practices that could strengthen collaboration between FUTA and OAU. She acknowledged that while each institution faces unique challenges, the support of TETFUND, FUTA Vice-Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji, and FUTA alumni has been instrumental in ensuring adequate funding for laboratory equipment and personnel.

Both institutions agreed that the visit marks a significant step toward fostering inter-institutional cooperation, promising a mutually beneficial partnership that will drive innovation and excellence in university laboratory management.