Ruth Dijigeske

CU Registrar Visits CUCIRF, Commends Maintenance and Pledges Support for Upgrades

The Covenant University Central Instrumentation Research Facility (CUCIRF) received a notable visit from the University’s Registrar – Mrs. Regina Tobi-David in February 2024, marking her first tour of the facility since her appointment. The Registrar expressed her admiration for the upkeep of the facility and praised the management team for maintaining its functionality and standards. Recognizing the facility’s critical role in driving research and innovation, she pledged to support its growth and address pressing infrastructure needs. During her visit, the Registrar commended the team for their dedication to sustaining the operational efficiency of the facility. She noted the importance of such a resource in supporting the University’s research ecosystem and ensuring that both staff and students have access to world-class tools. The visit allowed her to assess firsthand the facility’s contributions to academic excellence and the challenges faced in maintaining its infrastructure. “This facility is a cornerstone of the University research aspirations,” the Registrar remarked. “I am impressed by what I have seen today and acknowledge the effort that has gone into keeping this facility running effectively.” While appraising the current state of the facility, the Registrar identified key areas that required immediate attention to enhance its appeal and functionality. She gave clear directives for the prompt repair of the air conditioning system, a critical component for maintaining the optimal operating environment for sensitive research equipment. Additionally, she emphasized the need for aesthetic improvements, including the repainting of the external walls and the replacement of outdated or worn-out signage. “These upgrades reflect the image and reputation of the facility,” she stated. “We must ensure that both the internal and external environment align with the high standards of excellence we aim to project.” The Registrar pledged her commitment to facilitating the necessary changes and improvements for CUCIRF. She assured the director that her office would work collaboratively with the relevant departments to address these needs promptly. Her visit and directives signal the administration’s renewed focus on ensuring that CUCIRF remains a leading resource for academic research.

CU Registrar Visits CUCIRF, Commends Maintenance and Pledges Support for Upgrades Read More »

NUC Lauds CUCIRF for Excellence

The Covenant University Central Instrumentation Research Facility (CUCIRF) received high praise during a recent visit by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the apex regulatory body for University education in Nigeria. The visit, which formed part of the NUC’s ongoing accreditation and quality assurance mandate, highlighted CUCIRF as a beacon of excellence in research and development within the nation’s academic landscape. Upon touring the facility, the NUC delegation expressed their admiration for the state-of-the-art equipment housed within the Facility. They described the facility as “one of a kind in the country,” emphasizing its role as a critical hub for cutting-edge research and innovation. The commission particularly commended the advanced instrumentation available, which they noted could rival those found in world-class research institutions globally. CUCIRF boasts a diverse array of high-tech equipment catering to multidisciplinary research fields, including advanced spectroscopy, chromatography, and material science. This breadth of resources positions the facility as a crucial asset for fostering research that meets both national development goals and global scientific standards. In addition to the infrastructure, the NUC team was highly impressed with the expertise and dedication of the CUCIRF staff. The facility’s workforce, comprised of seasoned scientists, and technical personnel, was lauded for their professionalism, technical competence, and commitment to advancing research. The seamless operation and maintenance of such sophisticated equipment reflect the exceptional quality of the staff managing the facility. “The synergy between state-of-the-art equipment and a highly skilled workforce is what sets this facility apart,” one member of the NUC team remarked. “This is a model that other institutions in Nigeria can emulate as we strive to enhance the quality of higher education across the country.” The NUC’s glowing appraisal of CUCIRF has significant implications for Nigeria’s higher education sector. The facility not only provides local researchers with access to tools that would otherwise require international travel but also fosters collaborations that enhance the global visibility of Nigerian research output. Moreover, its existence underscores the importance of investing in world-class research infrastructure to bolster academic and scientific advancement. As a focal point for postgraduate and interdisciplinary research, CUCIRF attracts researchers from various Universities and Research Institutes Nationwide.

NUC Lauds CUCIRF for Excellence Read More »

A New Chapter in Leadership: Welcoming Our New Director

The winds of change often carry with them both a sense of reflection and excitement, and this has been especially true for CUCIRF as we recently marked a significant transition in leadership. On November 29th, 2024, we bid farewell to our outgoing director – Professor Olayinka O. Ajani, who completed a commendable two-year tenure, and warmly welcomed our new director, who has already begun to inspire hope for the future of the facility. A deep commitment to continuity and progress defined the outgoing director’s tenure. Building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, he focused on advancing the CUCIRF’s aspirations for excellence by initiating discussions on ISO accreditation. This critical step underscored his dedication to maintaining the highest standards and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. His steady leadership ensured that the organization remained on a growth trajectory, paving the way for the achievements yet to come. With the baton now passed, our new director – Professor Akan Bassey Williams assumed duties immediately on the same day. In just a short period, we can already observe meaningful improvements in our processes, signalling a dynamic and results-oriented approach to leadership. This fresh perspective is invigorating for all of us, as it reinforces our collective belief in the facility’s potential to reach new heights under his guidance. As we move forward, there is an air of optimism and anticipation. The legacy of dedication and vision left by the outgoing director is in good hands, and we are confident that the new directorate will not only uphold these values but also elevate them further. This transition marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our CUCIRF as a facility. We thank our outgoing director for his valuable contributions and unwavering commitment. At the same time, we eagerly look ahead to the journey under our new director’s leadership, filled with aspirations for innovation, growth, and excellence.

A New Chapter in Leadership: Welcoming Our New Director Read More »

CUCIRF Successfully Complete Its First GCMS Hands-On Student Training

We are delighted to announce the successful completion of our first-ever hands-on student training program on Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), which took place from December 4th to 6th, 2024. The three-day training session proved to be an engaging and impactful experience, providing students with both theoretical insights and practical skills. Participants immersed themselves in the fundamentals of GCMS and its real-world applications through robust training exercises led by our experienced facilitators. The training presentation session was facilitated by Mrs. Ruth Diji-geske – Head of Quality Assurance and Lab Analyst, while the hands-on was facilitated by Mr. Kayode Bisi-felix. Other members of the facility which include the director – Professor Akan Williams, The Lab Head – Mr. Ogunleye Olatunde, and the Administrative Officer – Mrs. Gift Madu all played crucial roles in ensuring the smooth sailing of the three-day training. To measure the program’s effectiveness, pre- and post-assessment tests were conducted. The results highlighted significant improvement in the students’ understanding of GCMS concepts, demonstrating the success of the training in enhancing their technical competence. Student feedback, collected through a structured survey, was overwhelmingly positive. Participants commended the clarity of instruction, the interactive nature of the sessions, and the opportunity to engage with advanced equipment. Many described the training as highly beneficial, noting that it effectively bridged the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. The success of this training marks a significant milestone for our facility as we continue to expand opportunities for skill development in advanced analytical techniques. We are committed to empowering students with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in their careers. The students’ training within CUCIRF is intended to be every month. Stay tuned for updates on our future training programs and initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and excellence in analytical sciences. For more information or to register for upcoming training sessions, please contact us at cucirf.@covenantuniversity.edu.ng or click on the link below to register directly for any of our training. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeT6Y7nUkuFDqbnLYl_4jjByMD0h9Oz7DY_nalQCzhu2qPwxQ/viewform

CUCIRF Successfully Complete Its First GCMS Hands-On Student Training Read More »