Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) is celebrating a major leap in its scientific research capacity following the acquisition of cutting-edge laboratory equipment worth over ₦370 million, secured through global academic partnerships.
Three senior scholars—Prof Joshua Ogunwole, Prof Olayide Lawal, and Prof Olufunke Akintayo led the initiative that has positioned FUOYE among leading global research institutions.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Olubunmi Shittu, described the development as “a significant institutional milestone” while commending the scholars for attracting world-class research infrastructure to the university.
“This achievement showcases the strength of our academic leadership and our growing visibility on the international research landscape,” Prof Shittu said in a statement released in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday by the Special Adviser on Media to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Abayomi Fasina.
Prof Joshua Ogunwole, who currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships, Research, Innovation and Linkages, secured a state-of-the-art Connected Autonomous Space Environment Sensor GPS receiver, valued at $15,000 (approximately ₦18 million)
The device, donated by the Virginia Tech College of Engineering in the United States under the VT-NigerBEAR project, is now operational at FUOYE.
“This equipment is a game-changer in space science research,” the university said. “It will significantly enhance FUOYE’s capacity to monitor and analyse space environment data.”
The statement highlighted that this recognition “reaffirms Prof Ogunwole’s commitment to scientific advancement and the importance of visionary leadership in securing international research collaborations.”
In a separate but equally groundbreaking stride, Profs Olayide Lawal and Olufunke Akintayo secured a prestigious Instrumental Access Award from Seeding Labs, Boston, Massachusetts. This grant includes the delivery of 163 pieces of high-value laboratory equipment and supplies, estimated at $250,000 (over ₦300 million).
The award places FUOYE’s Department of Chemistry among 137 global recipients from 39 countries.
The application was supported by Vice Chancellor Prof Fasina, who approved the university’s $10,000 application fee and personally contributed an additional ₦2 million to cover logistics.
“We are grateful to Seeding Labs and the Schlumberger Foundation for this opportunity to expand our research capabilities and global impact,” said Prof Shittu.
Items received under the award include FPLC Chromatography Systems, AKTA Explore units, Buchi Heating Baths, PCR thermal cyclers, rotary evaporators, balances, refrigerators, and other modern laboratory tools essential for advanced scientific training and research.
In a congratulatory message, Dr Melissa Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Seeding Labs, said: “By participating in Instrumental Access, you will be joining our community of 137 awardees in 39 countries. We look forward to working with you and your colleagues across the university to equip your scientists and students with the tools necessary for life-changing research.”
The development is expected to create new opportunities for scientific breakthroughs at FUOYE, provide hands-on training for students, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in global science and innovation.
