NOUN Invests Heavily in Laboratory Expansion to Enhance Research Capabilities
NOUN is making significant investments to expand and modernize laboratory infrastructures across its various faculties, as announced by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olufemi Peters during the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop on capacity building for efficient laboratory management.
UBA CHIDINMA 
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is making significant investments to expand and modernize laboratory infrastructures across its various faculties, as announced by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olufemi Peters during the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop on capacity building for efficient laboratory management. The workshop, held on September 26, 2024, at the university's headquarters, emphasized the importance of laboratory safety, maintenance, and adherence to ethical standards for producing reliable research results.
In his keynote address, delivered by Prof. Shehu Usman Adamu, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Peters highlighted the crucial role that well-managed laboratories play in advancing scientific research and innovation. “We have invested significantly in expanding our laboratory infrastructure; however, the success of these investments hinges on the ability of our staff to maintain, secure, and effectively utilize these facilities,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor urged participants to pay meticulous attention to detail, as the accuracy of research results depends on effective laboratory management. “Once a lab result is confirmed by our team, it stands as a standard benchmark. Therefore, you must ensure our practices are ethically sound and our equipment well-calibrated,” he emphasized.
The Registrar of the university, Mr. Ajayi Oladipo, represented by Mr. Muyiwa Harrison, acknowledged the Vice-Chancellor’s unwavering support for laboratory development initiatives. He expressed gratitude for the recent acquisition of advanced equipment, including a unique diagnostic unit in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences.
Harrison reiterated NOUN’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and continuous professional development, encouraging participants to apply the knowledge gained from the workshop to optimize laboratory operations and support the university’s academic mission.
In her vote of thanks, Ms. Mabel Madu, representing the Acting Director for Staff Training and Development (ST&D), praised the university’s efforts in advancing laboratory management and commended the Vice-Chancellor’s vision for initiating the capacity-building program. “We are proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to seeing how this training will translate into improved research outcomes and laboratory efficiency,” she concluded.
