Experts in the science and laboratory sector have emphasized the importance of collaboration and adequate funding by relevant stakeholders in maintaining university laboratory standards. This was highlighted during a recent familiarization visit by the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Central Science Laboratory Committee to the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Central Research Laboratory.
The OAU team, led by Director of the
Central Science Laboratory, Professor Olusegun Babalola, expressed enthusiasm about potential partnerships, underlining the benefits of inter-institutional collaboration. A key focus of the visit was to explore innovative approaches to sustainable funding, which FUTA has successfully implemented in maintaining its laboratory excellence.
Professor Babalola noted that the OAU team was particularly interested in learning from FUTA’s best practices in laboratory management. Areas of focus included sustainable funding strategies, modalities for the remittance of proceeds from laboratory work, electricity and water supply management, maintenance of laboratory equipment, and overall operational essentials.
The Director of FUTA Central Research Laboratory, Professor Folashade Olajuigbe, described the visit as timely, providing a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore best practices that could pave the way for stronger institutional collaboration between OAU and FUTA.
Professor Olajuigbe acknowledged that every institution faces unique laboratory challenges but commended the efforts of TETFUND, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, and FUTA alumni, among others, for ensuring adequate funding and support for laboratory equipment and personnel.
Both parties agreed that the visit represents an important step toward fostering inter-institutional collaboration and a mutually beneficial partnership, ushering in a new era of cooperation and innovation between OAU and FUTA.
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