The Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Akure,FUTA has received on behalf of the University a donation of a well-equipped, state-of-the-art laboratory worth $6,000 (equivalent to N9,614,640) from the Transfer Multisort Electronics SP (TME), Poland, through its Educational Africa Initiative, driven by two Alumni of the University, Moses Ogunranti and Oluwasegun Kolawole. The Laboratory consists of Digital multimeters, Soldering work station, Laptops, a Desktop, other electronic components of different types, electronic tools, and 3-D printers formed major elements of the donation and will aid students in the building of projects and prototypes to solve real life problems.
Speaking on the donation, Mr Oluwasegun Kolawole, a graduate of the University’s Computer Science Department and one of the facilitators of the donation said that TME Africa’s objective was to transfer knowledge on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Tech hardware in general to places within the continent with limited access to technology driven initiatives through partnerships with University laboratories. He explained that over 24 African countries had already received similar donations and had commenced the training and retraining of tech experts within the almost 6 years of existence of the Educational Africa Initiative.
He said that being a University of Technology and having already trained experts FUTA has an advantage over several Institutions and the choice of Physics department, according to him, was to integrate electronics into the original curriculum of trainees such that students who had learnt before get an opportunity to learn further in order to gain competence to compete at global competitions like the First Global Hardware Event where innovations are displayed and rewarded.
Commissioning the laboratory for use, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji commended the Department for being singled out for such laudable initiative. She noted that Physics Department had always being on the front burner of technological achievement in the University.
She recounted that staff and students of the Department had contributed in no small measure by the passion and focus invested in their research and for the University in areas ranging from crisis management, to web ranking and academic distinctions. She further thanked the donors for entrusting the University with such modern facility to facilitate teaching and learning and assured the proper use of the laboratory, while also commending the outgoing Head of Department, Professor Emmanuel Ogolo for ensuring the successful deployment of the facility. Earlier,
Professor Ogolo, the Head of Department noted that the donation of the new laboratory was a testament to the collaborative effort, generosity and exemplary education of cutting-edge research facilities for researchers and students.
He said “it is essential to acknowledge that such achievements in our facility are not just physical improvements but are pivotal to promoting the culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration within our Department.” He therefore noted that the donation of the laboratory was not the end but the beginning of a new chapter in the journey towards academic excellence, adding that the laboratory will serve as a hub for exploration and discovery, where students and Faculty can engage in hands-on learning, research and development.