University of Lagos begins construction work at proposed Sir Kesington Adebutu Research Centre

With the aim of moving research work to the next level in the country, the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) is set to begin work on the construction site of the proposed Sir Kesington Adebutu Research centre, located at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos.

The research centre is set to enhance society by advancing knowledge through the development of scientific theories, concepts and ideas.

The Sir Kesington Adebutu research centre is a project funded by Sir Kesington Adebutu, the Odele Oodua of Yorubaland a.k.a. Baba Ijebu, a philanthropist who is with the mindset of giving back to society. He is the chairman, Premier Lotto Limited and also the founder of Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation.

The groundbreaking and foundation laying ceremony was also set in line to mark the 86th birthday celebration of Baba Ijebu who has lived 86 years of diligence, kindness and love for humanity.

In his welcome remarks, the Provost, CMUL, Prof. David Adewale Oke, described this project as a new era for the institution as it will birth professional scientific research work and projects.

He said, “ The proposed four-storey building will be dedicated to purely research work and conference centers where discussions on how to move the research world forward will be made and provisions for telemedicine will also be available at the lab where professionals can come together and share ideas. For the research scientists who have won many research works for the university, this will also give them access to new equipment to improve their works.”

Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, described it as such a great privilege to have Sir Kensington singlehandedly sponsor the research project as the building will be used diligently to enhance and improve research works in the institution. He, also, said that this new facility would help improve on the existing one that the institute has been using in the area of health in the College of Medicine.

Ogundipe said, “The students are going to benefit from the building as they will use it for their research work, it will also be useful for the lecturers as it will help them improve their networking.

“I assure the general public that we will maintain the facility and also make sure that the facility is opened for local and international use.”

His daughter, Dr. Abiola Olorode, represented Adebutu. Olorode said: “ We can not overestimate or over-state the need for medical research, this building will serve as a center for research, laboratories for all kinds of ailments, the teaching of medical students and researchers alike.

“I want to specifically commend the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, the provost of this CMUL and all other professors who have worked tirelessly for the conceptualisation of this project and still pushing hard to see it to finishing, by the grace of God, this project should be completed within 12-18 months.”