Daud Olatunji
The Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative (ASR Africa) has laid the foundation for a state-of-the-art medical laboratory complex worth N500 million at Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, in a significant boost to medical education at the private institution.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on the university’s main campus along Lafenwa-Ayetoro Road, was presided over by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, Dr. Udoh Ubong, who confirmed that the facility—comprising three fully equipped laboratories—would be completed within the next six months, barring unforeseen circumstances.
Ubong emphasized that Crescent University was selected as a beneficiary of the initiative due to its exceptional academic performance and impressive track record in external professional and academic examinations, including those conducted by the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
He revealed that Crescent University is among 30 public and private tertiary institutions that have benefitted from ASR Africa’s Tertiary Education Grant, with individual grants ranging between N250 million and N1 billion.
“As part of our commitment to improving tertiary education in Nigeria and Africa, ASR Africa has earmarked $100 million annually for the development of institutions,” Ubong disclosed, adding that 16 projects were currently ongoing across various African countries.
He further assured that the construction firm handling the Crescent University project would be closely monitored to ensure the highest quality standards and timely completion of the facility.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Crescent University, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, described the initiative as a major milestone in the university’s expansion plans, noting that the new laboratory would enhance clinical training for students in Medical Laboratory Science and Nursing Sciences.
Gbajabiamila expressed deep appreciation to ASR Africa for fulfilling its promise to build a modern and well-equipped medical laboratory that would further boost hands-on training in medical sciences.
“Our students in the Nursing Sciences Department have consistently recorded 100 percent pass rates in examinations conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, which is a testament to the quality of training they receive here,” he noted.
He added that Crescent University’s reputation for academic excellence had led to an increase in student enrollment from various states across the country.
The Proprietor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prince Ma’ruf Adesegun Ajibola, SAN, commended ASR Africa for the donation, describing it as a strategic investment in education that would benefit the institution and the country at large.
He reiterated Crescent University’s commitment to establishing a medical school in the near future, with plans to introduce medicine and other medical science courses.
Ajibola urged wealthy Nigerians and corporate organizations to emulate ASR Africa’s philanthropic gesture by investing in tertiary education, emphasizing that such efforts would contribute significantly to national development.
The event featured a symbolic foundation-laying ceremony led by Prince Ajibola, university principal officers, and representatives of ASR Africa.
As a token of appreciation, the management of Crescent University presented a portrait to ASR Africa, acknowledging the initiative’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.
The university’s Registrar, Barr. Zakariyyah Ajibola, described the upcoming medical laboratory complex as one of the best in aesthetics and equipment standards among tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
“The management of our university is indeed very proud to be associated with your esteemed corporate organization.
Your investment in education is commendable, and we extend our best wishes to the Founder and Chairman of ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu,” he stated.
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