Three FUOYE scholars secure world-class research facilities to position institution as global research hub
By Wole Balogun
Three distinguished academics from the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)—Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships, Research, Innovation and Linkages (SPRIL); Professor Olayide Samuel Lawal, Director of Research and Development; and Professor Cecilia Olufunke Akintayo, a renowned Professor of Industrial Chemistry—have successfully secured world-class research facilities aimed at enhancing the University’s research capacity and expanding access to global-standard scientific education for its students.
As part of this milestone achievement, Professor Ogunwole facilitated the acquisition of an Advanced GPS Receiver for Space Research, a sophisticated instrument that will bolster FUOYE’s capabilities in atmospheric and space weather studies. Meanwhile, Professors Lawal and Akintayo spearheaded the successful procurement of a major equipment consignment from Seeding Labs, designed to upscale the University’s research infrastructure, particularly in the fields of industrial chemistry, agriculture, and other scientific disciplines.
A statement released to journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Monday revealed that Management of the University played a pivotal role in facilitating the successful acquisition of the advanced research facilities, describing it as a significant institutional milestone.
The statement reads in part:
“In a major boost to its scientific and technological research capacity, the Federal University Oye-Ekiti has installed a state-of-the-art Connected Autonomous Space Environment Sensor (CASES) GPS receiver, valued at $15,000 USD.
The cutting-edge equipment was awarded by the Virginia Tech College of Engineering, USA, under the VT-NigerBEAR project, and formally granted to Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, FUOYE’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships, Research, Innovation and Linkages (SPRIL). The award letter commended Professor Ogunwole for his visionary leadership in advancing academic excellence and fostering international research collaboration.
This recognition not only reaffirms Professor Ogunwole’s unwavering commitment to driving scientific advancement in Nigeria but also highlights the transformative potential of strategic academic leadership in cultivating global partnerships that catalyse institutional and national development.”
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Olubunmi Shittu, expressed profound appreciation for the prestigious award, describing it as a testament to FUOYE’s growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research and international collaboration.
The CASES GPS receiver is a sophisticated device designed for cutting-edge space science research and is expected to significantly enhance FUOYE’s capacity to monitor and analyze space environment data. Its installation marks a strategic development in Nigeria’s participation in global scientific networks focused on atmospheric and space weather studies.
Professor Wayne A. Scales, the award signatory and Associate Vice Provost of Faculty Affairs at Virginia Tech, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating that the College of Engineering is excited by Professor Ogunwole’s current role and anticipates innovative joint research outputs from the Federal University Oye-Ekiti. He emphasized that data from the CASES receiver will be integral to ongoing collaborative research efforts between both institutions.
This development is not only a significant milestone for FUOYE but also a promising leap for space and atmospheric science research in Nigeria and West Africa at large.”
In a similar development, the statement announces that Professors Lawal and Akintayo through the support of the Acting VC, secured Seeding Labs equipment consignment. It reads in part:
“The Department of Chemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti has added a significant feather to its cap by emerging as a recipient of the highly coveted and prestigious Instrumental Access Award from Seeding Labs, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. With this award, the Department of Chemistry, FUOYE has proudly secured a place among the 137 global awardees of the Instrumental Access program, representing institutions from at least 39 countries around the world.
In a congratulatory letter to the Vice-Chancellor of the Institution, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, the Chief Executive Officer of Seeding Labs, Dr. Melissa Wu, commended the University and expressed satisfaction with the application submitted by Professor Olayide Samuel Lawal and Professor Cecilia Olufunke Akintayo. Dr. Wu acknowledged the University’s demonstration of the values sought in new awardees—institutions poised to unlock untapped scientific potential.
According to her, “Our mission is to increase access to resources for science in developing countries, and by participating in Instrumental Access, you will be joining our community of 137 awardees in 39 countries worldwide. We look forward to working with you and your colleagues across the University to equip your scientists and students with the laboratory tools necessary to conduct life-changing research and to train the next generation of scientists.”
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Olubunmi Shittu, expressed immense pride in the department’s achievement, describing it as a clear reflection of FUOYE’s rising profile on the global academic and research stage. His statement reads, “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 opportunity to expand our research capabilities and global impact.”
Key highlights of the award include the delivery of 163 laboratory equipment and supplies to FUOYE, with a replacement value of $250,000 USD. Notable among the equipment are: FPLC Chromatography System, AKTA Explore, Desiccator Cabinets, Balances, Buchi Heating Baths, Rotary Evaporators, Chemical Dryers, PCR Thermal Cyclers, Refrigerators, and more.
Typically, institutions receiving the Instrumental Access Award contribute a cost-share fee to help offset expenses related to equipment acquisition, storage, international freight, and program management. The current rate for Nigerian institutions is $27,800 USD. However, due to Seeding Labs’ collaboration with the Schlumberger Foundation—which supports alumnae of the Faculty for the Future fellowship program—and with Prof. Cecilia Olufunke Akintayo being a proud alumna, the University received a generous subsidy of $17,800 USD. Consequently, FUOYE was required to pay only $10,000 USD, with the balance covered by the Schlumberger Foundation in support of its distinguished alumna.
Dr. Melissa Wu concluded her letter by expressing her optimism for a fruitful and impactful collaboration with FUOYE, particularly in advancing landmark scientific innovation and transformative research.
The arrival of the Seeding Labs equipment consignment marks a historic moment in the FUOYE’s journey toward cutting-edge research and global academic excellence.
This remarkable achievement was made possible through the tireless efforts of Prof. Akintayo Cecilia Olufunke, an esteemed Schlumberger Faculty for the Future alumna, and Prof. Olayide Lawal, Director of Research and Development. Their commitment to expanding research capacity continues to inspire innovation and progress across the FUOYE community.
With the equipment now on campus, FUOYE is poised to elevate its scientific infrastructure, empower researchers, and foster transformative academic exploration across disciplines.
SOURCE: FUOYE WEBSITE
