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The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), in Benue State has emerged as a winner of the highly competitive Instrumental Access Award from Seeding Labs, securing a substantial donation of laboratory equipment and supplies to significantly enhance its scientific research capabilities and STEM education.
Announced on February 2, 2026, and highlighted by BENUE info-pedia on February 12, 2026, the award was successfully secured on behalf of the university by Prof. Adelaja Akinlolu, a renowned neuroscientist and forensic geneticist who serves as Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies at FUHSO. The achievement underscores the institution’s growing reputation for excellence in health sciences and biomedical research since its establishment.
The Instrumental Access programme, Seeding Labs’ flagship initiative, is a US-based non-governmental organization dedicated to equipping universities and research institutions in developing countries with high-quality, modern laboratory tools. Through this award, FUHSO will receive a carefully curated consignment of essential equipment—including advanced instrumentation, consumables, and related supplies—designed to address critical gaps in research infrastructure and enable cutting-edge experimentation in health-related fields.
Seeding Labs selects awardees through a rigorous, merit-based global competition that evaluates proposals based on scientific impact, institutional need, sustainability plans, and potential to advance STEM education and innovation. FUHSO’s success in this cycle places it among a select group of institutions worldwide chosen to receive this transformative support.
The award is expected to have far-reaching benefits for FUHSO, including strengthened postgraduate training, improved quality of biomedical and health sciences research, greater opportunities for faculty and student-led projects, and enhanced capacity to tackle local and national health challenges through evidence-based scientific inquiry. By equipping laboratories with reliable, up-to-date tools, the university will be better positioned to produce high-caliber graduates and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s healthcare and scientific advancement.
Prof. Akinlolu’s leadership in navigating the competitive application process has been widely commended, highlighting the strategic importance of strong academic advocacy in attracting international resources to Nigerian tertiary institutions. The donation aligns with FUHSO’s mission to become a leading center for health sciences education and research in the country.
As the equipment arrives and is integrated into university laboratories, FUHSO is poised to elevate its research output and training quality, reinforcing Benue State’s role in fostering scientific excellence and innovation across Nigeria.
