BOUESTI Team Visits FUTA’s Central Research Laboratory

A technical delegation from the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI) has paid a working visit to the Julius Okojie Central Research Laboratory (JOCRL) of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).The team, led by the Director of Academic Planning, Dr. Olumide Otutu, was warmly received by the Director of JOCRL, Professor Folasade Olajuyigbe, along with other members of the laboratory’s management and staff.

Explaining the purpose of the visit, Dr. Otutu said the committee was impressed by the reputation and operational success of FUTA’s Central Research Laboratory.

“We believe the facility’s design and structure provide an excellent model for our own proposed Central Research Laboratory.

This visit will enable us to study your layout, understand the standards that have contributed to your success, examine the equipment and facilities available, and gain insight into your operational and management structure,” he stated. He added that the team was also interested in discussing potential challenges and best practices in running a central laboratory.

In her remarks, Professor Olajuyigbe welcomed the delegation and described JOCRL as “a place where innovation meets excellence.” She reaffirmed the laboratory’s commitment to providing world-class facilities and technical expertise to support advanced research across multiple disciplines. “Our goal is to foster collaboration, build capacity, and drive impactful discoveries that address both local and global challenges.

We are dedicated to advancing FUTA’s vision of becoming a world-class university, while also supporting researchers within and outside academia, including industry and government partners,” she said.

Highlighting the laboratory’s capabilities, she noted the availability of state-of-the-art equipment and specialized facilities for plant tissue culture, cancer research, and biotechnology. She expressed optimism about future collaborations, stressing that both institutions can work together to shape the future of research and development in Nigeria.

Professor Olajuyigbe acknowledged the support of the university management in keeping the laboratory functioning optimally and lauded the Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji for her visionary leadership.

Following the meeting, the BOUESTI team embarked on a guided tour of the laboratory to assess its equipment, infrastructure, and layout.