Ruth Dijigeske

The Director of the Covenant University Central Instrumentation Research Facility, Professor Akan Bassey Williams has initiated a ground-breaking short course certificate program in Medicinal Chemistry, aiming to eventually propose its elevation to a full-fledged Master’s degree course. This forward-thinking initiative underscores Prof Williams’ dedication to advancing knowledge and professional development opportunities. The six-week course commenced on the 9th of January 2025, drawing an impressive attendance of over 60 participants, with an additional 20 individuals expressing interest in the program. This overwhelming response reflects the significance and appeal of the subject matter. Participants have lauded the course for its robust and engaging content, which seamlessly blends theoretical insights with practical applications. This initiative through the director of CUCIRF greatly enhances the academic contributions of the facility to Covenant University and also positions it as a pioneer in Medicinal Chemistry and a hub for cutting-edge knowledge in this area. The course is led by a distinguished visiting lecturer from Roosevelt University, USA, Dr. Oluseye Onajole whose expertise has greatly enriched the learning experience. Lectures are conducted at Covenant University, in the CUCIRF and the Post Graduate seminar rooms respectively, and also at our sister institution Landmark University – Omu Aran, fostering a collaborative and dynamic educational environment. We look forward to seeing this program grow and evolve into a Master’s degree offering, further expanding the University’s academic delivery as a global frontline.

As part of its ongoing efforts to optimize the utilization of its state-of-the-art equipment and maximize profitability, CUCIRF recently welcomed a distinguished business consultant – Mr. Prince Collins Ezeiruaku through the help of the Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE) leadership for a business review. Mr Ezeiruaku is from the International Trade Facilitation Association, ITFA, Canada. During the visit, an extensive meeting was held between the consultant, the director of CUCIRF, and the CApICE- ACE team. The session provided a platform for in-depth discussions, where key operational matters were deliberated, and pertinent questions were raised and addressed by both parties. Topics ranged from streamlining processes to exploring innovative revenue-generation strategies that align with the facility’s mission and capabilities. The exchange of ideas during the meeting laid the groundwork for actionable plans aimed at enhancing the facility’s financial sustainability while continuing to serve the academic and research community effectively. This strategic engagement marks the success drive of CUCIRF’s new director, Prof. Akan Williams, and defines the facility’s commitment to ensuring sustainable growth and operational excellence. Further updates on the outcomes of this engagement will be shared as plans are implemented.

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.