Babcock varsity seeks AAUA ’s collaboration on Alzheimer research •FRSC commends Ajasin varsity’s achievements

THE rising profile of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, (AAUA) Ondo State, as a desired research hub among Nigerian varsities has once again been confirmed as lead researchers from Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, have approached the institution for collaboration in seeking solution to the dreaded Alzheimer disease.

Dr. Olaposi Omotuyi, the acting director of AAUA’s Centre for Bio-Computing and Drug Development (CBDD), who disclosed this, said Babcock University plans to bring its researchers to Akungba for further training and exposure, and that AAUA will lead researchers into unraveling the mysteries of the disease.

According to Omotuyi, a formal agreement is will soon be signed, while the team of researchers from Babcock could be in AAUA for a period of three years.

Omotuyi said: “About a year ago, a scholar and researcher from Babcock University came to see what we were doing at the CBDD here. He must have been impressed with what he saw and the facilities that we have at our disposal to carry out diverse research activities.

“So, he said he would come back with his students. And as a demonstration of what we have, I told him to come back with samples so he could see what we could do in real terms. And he did come back after three months.

“He wrote to the management of his university, and it so happened that his university was at that time looking for capable researchers they could partner with. As a matter of fact, they had been to some European countries and institutions on the issue.

“That led to one of them, Professor Oladapo Walker, to come to Akungba to assess things for himself. He was also impressed with what we have, and he spoke to some foreign institutions and donors about what we are doing here at the CBDD. That step was to lead to the release of a grant of $16, 000, among other promising feelers reaching the university.”

He added: “They will bring the grant here to us to administer. They will also send staff and researchers from Babcock University here so they can study what we are doing and replicate same in their own university. We have had two meetings with them and we are working on signing a formal agreement on how this would be done.”

In another  development, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has described AAUA as an institution that has achieved great feats within its brief years of existence.

The commendation was given by the Assistant Corps Commander B. O. Jimoh, of the Ikare-Akoko Unit Command, Ondo State, when he led his team on a courtesy visit to the vice chancellor in his office.

“AAUA has achieved great feats within the short time of its creation. Apart from the fact that the university has beautiful physical structures, it has achieved a very secure and serene campus, while cult activities which ravage Nigerian campuses have been reduced to the minimum on AAUA campus,” he said.

While emphasizing that the FRSC is a critical stakeholder in safeguarding the lives of the citizenry, the corps-commander advised road users to be patient while driving during the ‘ember’ months.

He commended the university for putting in place necessary road signs and road furniture all over the campus, saying these would aid safe driving within the institution.

In his reaction, the vice chancellor, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, thanked the FRSC team for the courtesy call and assured them of cordial and lasting partnership.

“As a university, we believe in the ideals of the FRSC, and we will partner with the corps in ways that will improve on the lives of the people,” he said.

Also present were the deputy vice chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige; registrar, M. S. Ayeerun; bursar, Mrs. O. V. Ologun, who was represented by a chief accountant, Mr. Abiodun Olukoju; and the university librarian, Dr Rotimi Egunjobi, among others.

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