By Zaniab Lawal
The School of Life Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna, recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art bioproduct development research and process laboratory.The facility represents a major leap forward in fostering innovation in life sciences.
The newly commissioned lab will provide students, researchers, and industry partners access to advanced equipment and expertise, enabling groundbreaking research in bioproduct development. This initiative highlights FUT, Minna’s dedication to advancing scientific research and addressing global challenges through collaboration.
The Dean of the School of Physical Sciences, Prof. Mohammed Jiya, while inaugurating the Lab expressed his excitement about the lab’s potential. “This lab is set to revolutionize bioproduct research and development. It will provide researchers, students, and industry partners with world-class facilities to explore sustainable solutions.” Prof. Jiya remarked.
Additionally, Prof. Frances O. Arimoro, Dean of the School of Life Sciences, inaugurated the second facility, a bioproduct process lab. Prof. Arimoro emphasized the lab’s role in scaling up research and facilitating commercialization. “This lab bridges the gap between research and commercial production, making FUT Minna a leader in bioproduct innovation.”
The project’s Team Leader, Prof. Egwin Evans, shared the five-year journey that led to this achievement, highlighting key milestones, including the lab’s unique capabilities, such as housing Nigeria’s only citric acid-producing machine outside of FUT, Minna. The facility has already yielded three patents, with four more pending, further showcasing the university’s commitment to innovative research.
Prof. Evans invited private investors to partner with the University, stressing the importance of commercialization and private funding. “We are no longer waiting for government funding alone; we welcome private investment to bring our research to the market,” he noted.
Prof. Abdulkadir Abubakar, Head of the Biochemistry Department, in his vote of thanks, acknowledged the support of the University’s leadership, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and all who contributed to the success of the project.
This new development solidifies FUT Minna’s position at the forefront of scientific innovation, with a focus on bioproducts that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives.
