Ebonyi University is set to construct an advanced research laboratory.

Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, is set to build an advanced research laboratory dedicated to biological analysis and other research endeavors.

This announcement was made by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Chigozie Ogbu, during a working visit by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, at his office in Ezzangbo, the permanent site of the institution.

Professor Ogbu, who is also a former deputy governor of Ebonyi State, highlighted that the forthcoming research laboratory would be the only one of its kind in the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria. He noted that the lab would be accessible to researchers from other regions, particularly the North Central Zone, including Benue State, and would generate revenue for the university.

The construction of the laboratory is being facilitated by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Professor Ogbu stated that one of his primary goals upon taking office was to enhance the research activities at EBSU. To this end, he established a research club within the university to promote research efforts. “We have a committee that reviews research proposals. Three weeks ago, around 42 lecturers submitted their research proposals. The committee reviewed them and approved over 20, which have been forwarded to TETFund for funding,” he explained.

Additionally, he revealed that almost 100 academic staff members have been promoted to associate professor and professor since the beginning of his administration. Previously, staff were promoted without financial benefits due to funding constraints. However, with the recent intervention of the university’s visitor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who is also an alumnus of the university, promotions now include financial benefits. The university has paid the June salary and is preparing to pay the July salary, leading to increased staff satisfaction. “Promotion of staff is ongoing with the financial benefits, and it’s been encouraging,” Ogbu noted.

Furthermore, Professor Ogbu praised TETFund for its support and expressed satisfaction with the new visitor, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. The governor has overseen the successful dualization of the university road, increased staff salaries by 10 percent, reduced school fees by 10 percent, and raised the university’s subvention from N180 million to N280 million.