Three distinguished scholars from the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) have attracted world-class research equipment valued at tens of millions of naira, courtesy of partnerships with two internationally renowned institutions.
The beneficiaries, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, Professor Olayide Lawal, and Professor Cecilia Akintayo, have facilitated the acquisition of high-impact scientific tools that are set to reposition FUOYE as a leading hub for cutting-edge research and innovation in Africa.
According to a statement issued Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, Prof. Ogunwole secured a Connected Autonomous Space Environment Sensor GPS receiver, valued at $15,000, from the Virginia Tech College of Engineering under its VT-NigerBEAR project.
The equipment will enhance Nigeria’s capabilities in atmospheric and space weather research.
In a parallel achievement, Professors Lawal and Akintayo successfully facilitated the delivery of advanced research infrastructure worth $25,000 from the U.S.-based Seeding Labs. The equipment package, aimed at strengthening FUOYE’s research capacity in industrial chemistry, agriculture, and other scientific disciplines, includes PCR thermal cyclers, FPLC chromatography systems, AKTA explore modules, desiccator cabinets, balances, rotary evaporators, chemical dryers, and Buchi heating baths.
In the official award letter, Virginia Tech’s Associate Vice Provost, Professor Wayne A. Scales, praised Prof. Ogunwole’s academic contributions and expressed optimism about the collaboration with FUOYE.
Similarly, Dr. Melissa Wu, CEO of Seeding Labs, commended Professors Lawal and Akintayo for their compelling application, noting that FUOYE demonstrated key qualities necessary to unlock Africa’s scientific potential.
Reacting to the development, Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Olubunmi Shittu described the awards as a testament to FUOYE’s growing global recognition in research excellence. She also applauded the university’s substantive Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, for his support, noting that he not only approved the university’s $10,000 counterpart funding for the Seeding Labs initiative but also personally contributed an additional ₦2 million to cover logistics.
This milestone underscores FUOYE’s expanding influence in international academic circles and its commitment to pioneering transformative research in Nigeria and beyond.
He said, “This prestigious award is a major accomplishment for our University and a proud moment for the Department of Chemistry. It reflects the dedication of our faculty, especially Professors Olayide Lawal and Cecilia Akintayo, to excellence in research, innovation, and international collaboration.
“FUOYE remains committed to fostering an environment where cutting-edge research thrives, and where our students and scholars are empowered to contribute meaningfully to global scientific advancement.
“We are grateful to Seeding Labs and the Schlumberger Foundation for this great opportunity to expand our research capabilities. With these new facilities now on campus, FUOYE is set to scale new heights in interdisciplinary research, train the next generation of African scientists, and deepen its role in solving local and global challenges”, he added.
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