The AMIR Fund for Education, Science, and Technology, in collaboration with FirstBank Trustees, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, to establish a dedicated endowment fund for biomedical and oncology research.
According to a statement, the fund will enhance research capacity at the Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory in OAU’s Department of Microbiology, led by Professor Adebayo Shittu. It will also introduce an annual postgraduate fellowship award for master’s and doctoral students pursuing research in molecular biology and oncology.
Founder of the AMIR Fund, Mr. Ridwan Sorunke, explained that the initiative was born out of gratitude for the education he received at OAU and a desire to empower the next generation of Nigerian researchers.
“This fund is designed to catalyse local resources and build a strong framework for scientific research here in Nigeria, ensuring that our brightest minds have the support they need,” Sorunke said.
OAU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Bamire, hailed the endowment as a milestone for the university, urging other alumni to emulate the gesture.
“This initiative will help scale forward many innovations in the department and across the university. I encourage other alumni to follow this example and give back to their alma mater,” he noted.
Professor Shittu, founder of the Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory, described the fund as a life-changing intervention. Reflecting on his own challenges during doctoral research, he stressed that the endowment would ease financial and technical barriers for upcoming scholars.
“The AMIR Fund will significantly strengthen our department’s capacity. I have always promised that my students will not face the same difficulties I went through,” he said.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by senior members of the university management, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor G. A. Aderonmu; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor E. O. Akinfala; Director of Linkages and Partnerships, Professor A. I. Oluwaranti; and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dr. B. Igbeneghu.
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