Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Researchers

The Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, has commissions high impact research equipment and consumables worth Thirty-five million naira and reiterated the University Management’s unwavering commitment to supporting its scientists and researchers in their pursuit of groundbreaking research and innovation.

He made this known at the Center for Applied Sciences and Technology Research (CASTER), venue of the event.

Professor Adamu commended Dr. Hussaini Majiya, the recipient of the research grant, for his dedication and hard work in securing the funds.

He encouraged him to continue his efforts and aim for an even more substantial grant of a billion naira.

“Dr Majiya has set a commendable example of what is possible with determination and excellence in research. I urge all our researchers to follow his lead and strive to attract more high-impact grants, “he reiterated.

The Vice Chancellor also seized the opportunity to reaffirm the University’s challenge to its researchers and scientists to compete for high-impact research grants, underscoring the significance of such grants in elevating the Institution’s reputation both nationally and internationally.

He also stressed that the future of the University’s research capabilities depended on continuous support and investments in scientific endeavors.

“Our commitment to supporting research is unwavering. We understand that high-impact research is critical to our university’s growth and its contribution to society. Therefore, we will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure our researchers have the resources and motivation they need to excel, “he said

In his remarks, the Coordinating Director of Research and Development, Professor Nuhu George Obaje who spoke through his Deputy, Dr. Hussaini Majiya, expressed gratitude to the University Management for the continuous support to research in the University, stressing that such gesture has produced a winner of the prestigious UNESCO and Third World Academy of Science (TWAS) research grant.

He called on other researchers in the University to remain steadfast by working harder to win more grants.

Professor Obaje reiterated the Directorate’s commitment to encouraging young researchers to develop.

Also speaking, the Director of the Centre for Applied Sciences and Technology Research (CASTER), Professor Folorunsho Alimi Lawal, explained that CASTER serves as the coordinating centre for all research activities in the University, including postgraduate research and various National Research Fund (NRF) grants workshops and seminars.

Highlighting the central role the Centre plays in guiding and managing research efforts across the institution,
Professor Lawal revealed that several research grants are currently being managed under its auspices, including national and institutional-based research projects.

The Centre, he added, is home to twenty research groups drawn from three key Faculties: Natural Science, Applied Science, and Agricultural Economics and Extension.

The Director praised Dr. Hussaini Majiya for his achievement and announced that Dr. Majiya will conduct a “step-down” workshop to train other researchers in the University on how to access similar grants.

“We are proud of Dr. Majiya’s success, and we are confident that his experience will greatly benefit other researchers in IBBUL. Through the step-down workshop, we aim to build a strong culture of grant-winning and high-quality research that will bring more accolades to our university,” he said.

In a remark, Dr Hussaini Majiya, who is the winner of the grant and the Deputy Coordinating Director of Research and Development, thanked the University Management for its unwavering support, which he said was a critical factor in his success.

He further explained that the grant was used to procure sophisticated research equipment and sponsored five postgraduate students, as required by the grant’s stipulations.

Dr. Majiya assured the University Management of his commitment to continue winning high-value research grants, which would benefit both the Institution and the broader academic community.

He announced plans to organize a “step-down” workshop to share his knowledge and experience with other researchers on how to win and access similar grants.

“I am committed to helping my colleagues understand the processes involved in securing research funding so that we can continue to bring more accolades and resources to our University,” he added.

In a vote of thanks, the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, expressed gratitude to the Research Centre for its outstanding achievements which has significantly raised the profile of the University on a global scale.

“The visibility of our university is now worldwide. We are competing with renowned institutions, winning grants, and earning both national and international honours,” he stated.

Alhaji Kusherki reiterated the Management’s commitment to continuously support the University’s Scientists and researchers in conducting research that will bring recognition and glory to the Institution.

The research equipment, donated through a grant from the UNESCO and the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), included an additional ten million Naira for consumables.

The grant is aimed at enhancing the research capabilities of IBBUL’s scientists, positioning the University as a centre for cutting-edge research in Nigeria and beyond.

The newly commissioned equipment, include a range of advanced scientific tools such as the Rotavapour R-100 with a Vertical glassware assembly, an F-100 Recirculating Chiller, a Vacuum Pump V-100, an Interface I-100, an Automated Colony Counter Acolyte 3HD, and a Large-capacity Shaker Incubator.

These state-of-the-art equipment are expected to significantly enhance the research capabilities of the University’s scientists and students.

They are also expected to bolster the University’s research output, allowing the Institution to further establish itself as a leading research institution in Nigeria and beyond.