Abdul Samad Rabiu initiative for Africa launches N250m corrosive centre in FUPRE

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative for Africa yesterday launched a N250m Corrosive Centre at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun with aim to provide critical insights that can save lives, protect infrastructure, and improve sustainability across industries.

The Centre will serve as a hub for ground breaking research, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

According to Dr. Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative (ASR Africa), “To give some context on how we got here, in 2021 Abdul Samad Rabiu initiated and created the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative for Africa with an annual pledge of $100 million to provide solutions in health, education and social development.

“$50 million of this fund is spent every year in Nigeria and the other $50 million is spent across the African continent. Rabiu is a man of vision. He's a man of passion. This is evident in his giving and his vision for a better Nigeria and a better Africa is founded on our ability to look inwards and create our own solutions to our own problems.

“This is part of the tertiary education grant scheme for the (ASR Africa), we gave grants ranging from 250 million naira to 1 billion naira for each university. 

“So far we have given 30 projects so far, this one is valued at 250 million naira at the time of the award. For projects that are two 50 million naira to 500 million naira, we have a time frame of six months for implementation to completion. 

For projects over 500 million naira to 1 billion naira, we have a time frame of 12 months. To get this project, FUPRE, first of all, is unique in the sense that it is, I think, one of six global universities specific, so specifically focusing on petroleum resources, we also looked at the NUC ranking. 

“We looked at some of the awards they have won. I think they placed third globally in a petroleum research competition a couple of years back. And then we also look, most importantly, at the vision of the management of university. 

Vice Chancellor, FUPRE, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh in his speech said, “Yes, I'm excited. I'm elated at such an initiative coming to fruition today. It's actually an idea that was muted sometime when we had the FUPRE University round table, and he was the chairman and promised that he was coming to assist the university in whatever area.
 

“So some time ago, when the award was released, I was elated, and today we are seeing it coming from paperwork to physical development. So I must attest. I'm happy about that. The time frame for when this project is between six and nine months. They will furnish it then they use their relationship with other organizations to furnish, and to equip it.” He added.
 

Dr. Mrs. Jane E. Omoyine, FUPRE Registrar while emphasising the importance of the Centre said, “Corrosion is an invisible, yet pervasive force that impacts industries worldwide, from infrastructure to aerospace. Despite its global reach, it has often been under-researched. The ASR Foundation, Centre for Corrosion Research will change that.
 

“By advancing our understanding of corrosion mechanisms and developing innovative solutions, this Centre will provide critical insights that can save lives, protect infrastructure, and improve sustainability across industries such as Petroleum, Construction, Transportation, and Energy.
 

“This Centre represents more than just a building - it embodies our shared vision for the future. For our students and staff, it will provide access to cutting-edge knowledge, real-world applications, and hands-on experience in solving complex challenges. We are excited for the opportunities this provides to enhance education and produce solutions that make a tangible impact on society.” She stated.