OAU Receives 4.8KW Solar Power Backup for Molecular Bacteriology Lab

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has received a significant boost for its research capabilities with the donation of a 4.8KW solar power backup system to the Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory in the Department of Microbiology. This generous contribution, valued at N2.5 million, was provided by Dev-Afrique Development Advisors and encompasses the full cost of solar panels, mounting racks, circuit breakers, cables, and installation.

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The Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory, which was established in January 2023 by Prof. Shittu Adebayo, stands as one of the pioneering labs of its kind in Nigeria. It is dedicated to equipping students and researchers with advanced tools to study pathogen infections, aiming to prevent epidemiological outbreaks.

Prof. Adebayo highlighted the critical importance of this donation, noting that an uninterrupted power supply is essential for advancing antibiotic resistance research in Nigeria. He remarked, "This support will ensure that our research can continue without the interruptions that have previously hindered our progress, thus enabling us to make significant contributions to public health."

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Dr. N. Torimiro, Head of the Department of Microbiology, and Prof. B. Omafuvbe expressed their profound gratitude to Dev-Afrique for its substantial contribution. They emphasized that the solar power backup will enable the department to meet both local and international research demands, providing students with essential resources to conduct high-level research. "This donation is a testament to the commitment of Dev-Afrique towards fostering educational advancement and research in Nigeria," said Dr. Torimiro.

Barakat Tiamiyu, a representative of Dev-Afrique, stated that the donation aligns with the organization's mission to promote research and innovation in public health. She reiterated Dev-Afrique's dedication to supporting educational institutions and fostering advancements that can lead to improved public health outcomes. "Our goal is to empower institutions like OAU to carry out their vital work without the barriers posed by power shortages," Tiamiyu added.

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The installation of this solar power backup system is expected to significantly enhance the lab's research capabilities by ensuring a reliable power supply. This is particularly crucial for sensitive and continuous experiments that are critical for breakthroughs in molecular bacteriology and antibiotic resistance. The ability to maintain a steady power supply will bolster the lab's efforts to conduct groundbreaking research and develop innovative solutions to public health challenges.