- Alausa Celebrates The Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Research Center: A Monumental Gift to Humanity
- The Minister Described The Unveiling of The Facility As a Future in Nigeria Medical Research
- He Recounts The Modest fundraising Efforts Led By Former Provost Prof. Folashade
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa expressed his immense joy for a monumental milestone attained in the educational sector, describing the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu research center as a living monument to vision, philanthropy, and faith in the power of education and research to transform lives.
”Today, we are not merely opening a building, we are unveiling a future, a future in which Nigeria Medical Research will not only serve National needs but also contribute to the global body of scientific knowledge.” He remarked.
He lauded the donor’s life of service and benevolence who made this possible, wishing him more years in good health as he continues to give to the society.
”Philanthropy, when guided by vision and patriotism, can shape destiny and strengthen a nation.” He stated.
EKOHOTBLOG reports that In a momentous ceremony marked by applause and reflection, dignitaries, academics, and government officials gathered to commission a state-of-the-art medical research facility at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), a project hailed as a transformative investment in Nigeria’s health and education sectors.
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The research center’s development began with modest fundraising efforts led by former Provost Prof. Folashade Olusola, nurtured through Prof. Afolabi Eleshin’s tenure, and realized under the dynamic leadership of Prof. David Oke and current Provost Prof. Ademola Oyemusiu.
On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education, he saluted the donor for this monumental gift to humanity stating that this continuity of purpose exemplifies what academic institutions can achieve through alumni collaboration and shared vision.
He further acknowledged Prof. Oladapo Ashiru’s bridge-building efforts and Dame Winifred Akpani of Northwest Petroleum for her complementary contributions which are both instrumental in bringing the project to life.
He described the project as a strategic national investment, stating its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
”We have all been assured that this center will serve as nucleus for research in tropical diseases, public health, genomics, biomedical innovation and clinical trial, fields that are critical to medical development and global competitiveness.” He stated.
However, the Minister called for more partnerships like this, echoing the Ministry of Education’s vision under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative. He urged corporate citizens, alumni, and well-meaning Nigerians to support education through infrastructure, scholarships, and endowments, stressing that education is not the responsibility of government alone.
”Education is not the responsibility of the government alone, we must corporate, we must partner; every act of giving, whether to infrastructure, scholarship or endowment helps to build the foundation of a strong and more equitable Nation.” He stressed.
In addition, he encouraged researchers and students to be inspired by the facility and utilize it to develop solutions that address Nigeria health challenges congratulating the leadership of the University of Lagos, College of Medicine, The Adebutu family and all partners who made this dream a reality.
The Minister concluded by commending the trail blazing record of the school, mentioning the partnership between the school, UNILAG and the University of Birmingham to set up a branch in Lagos. The initiative is set to take off in 2026 with the final agreement to be signed January, 2026.
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