Otukpo, Nigeria – FUHSO has been selected as recipient of the Seeding Labs Instrumental Access Award of lab equipment and supplies that will advance scientific research and education on the 2nd of February, 2026.
This award was won by Prof. Adelaja Akinlolu on behalf of the university. Prof. Akinlolu is a distinguished Neuroscientist and Forensic Geneticist, and currently serves as the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies.
The award is expected to significantly enhance scientific research capacity, training, and innovation at FUHSO, particularly in the biomedical and health sciences.
Instrumental Access makes high-quality laboratory equipment and supplies available to university departments and research institutes in developing countries. It is the flagship program of Seeding Labs, a US-based NGO working to increase access to resources for science in developing countries.
The Department of Anatomy, FUHSO was chosen for the Instrumental Access award following the receipt of the outstanding and impressive application submitted by Professor Adelaja Akinlolu, consequent to a rigorous and competitive selection process that receives and evaluates applications from institutions around the world.
To be considered, applicants outline the ways that an infusion of scientific equipment would remove barriers to STEM education and research at their institution—paving the way for new avenues of scientific inquiry and expanding hands-on opportunities for students.
Equipment provides a foundation for other critical resources that allow scientists to generate new knowledge, leverage sustainable funding, and better prepare university students for the scientific workforce and innovation economy.
To date, the Instrumental Access program has catalyzed scientific innovation at more than 100 universities and institutions in 39 developing countries. The equipment:
- Has enhanced workforce training for more than 230,000 students, who have access to Instrumental Access equipment in practical lab sessions and thesis research
- Catalyzed research projects with $16.9 million of new funding across 69 universities
- Given more than 2,900 scientific staff at 118 university departments more opportunity to pursue their research agendas thanks to the availability of more equipment
Vice Chancellor's Remarks
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of FUHSO, Professor Francis Aba Uba, FWACS, described the selection as a strong endorsement of the university's growing reputation for research excellence and global relevance. He noted that the award would further strengthen FUHSO's ability to deliver cutting-edge medical education and conduct impactful research aimed at addressing Nigeria's pressing healthcare challenges.
Professor Uba commended Seeding Labs for its commitment to strengthening science globally and assured that the donated equipment would be responsibly and strategically deployed to advance innovation, train future scientists, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Vice Chancellor also commended the Applicant, Prof. Adelaja Akinlolu for winning the competitive Seeding Labs Award, noting that this is the first labs equipment Award that the university has won.
Applicant's Remarks
Professor Adelaja Akinlolu, who led the successful application, thanked the Chief Executive Officer of Seeding Labs, Dr. Melissa P. Wu, the programme and evaluation team, equipment donors, Micalea Leaska, the Programme Specialist, Metric and Evaluation, and the United States Government for supporting the transfer of advanced laboratory resources to developing nations. He assured that the equipment would be judiciously utilized for the advancement of science and national development.
Professor Akinlolu also acknowledged the support of the Vice-Chancellor, principal officers, the Information Unit, and staff of FUHSO throughout the application process.
Benefits to FUHSO
The award is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the Department of Anatomy, a foundational unit in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, which is actively engaged in multidisciplinary research across neuroscience, forensic science, human genetics, cell and molecular biology, cancer biology, regenerative medicine, phytomedicine, reproductive biology, and developmental biology.
These research efforts, conducted in collaboration with departments within and outside the university, are designed to address local, national, and global challenges in healthcare delivery, disease treatment, population genetics, ancestry determination, and civil and criminal investigations.
With the acquisition of modern laboratory equipment through Seeding Labs, FUHSO is projected to expand its capacity for high-impact research, contribute to the discovery of new drug agents and vaccines, strengthen human genetic databases, support reproductive health studies, and stimulate innovation capable of generating employment and economic growth in Nigeria. The equipment will also play a critical role in providing students with excellent hands-on laboratory training.
About Seeding Labs
Seeding Labs is a Boston-based NGO that increases access to resources for science in developing countries. Seeding Labs has built a coalition of more than 230 public and private sector partners to provide scientific institutions in developing nations with lab equipment, training, and opportunities to collaborate with experts in their field—and to create a world where science and the institutions that sustain it can thrive everywhere, illuminating a brighter and healthier future for all.
As of February 2024, Seeding Labs has shipped 365 tons of lab equipment to 110 institutions in 39 countries around the world.
Information, Public Relations & Protocol Unit
Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO)
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