Scientists at the University of Ilorin
and their counterparts at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD),
are finalising arrangements to develop an improved rice variety with
medicinal potentials against cancer.
A report in the University
of Ilorin Bulletin on Monday stated that this was the outcome of the
collaboration between the two institutions for which a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) was signed on Feb. 2.
According to the
report, the N50 million project would be carried out over a four-year
period and expected to be funded from the National Research Fund of the
Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TET-Fund).
It said that the
project was aimed at enhancing the well-being of rice farmers and
improving the health conditions of consumers in the country.
“The
main research collaborators include Prof. Samuel Onasanya, Education
Technology and Training Expert, University of Ilorin; Dr Michael
Awolola, Industrial Chemist, University of Ilorin and Prof. Amos
Onasanya, a Biochemist, Geneticist and Molecular Plant Pathologist.
“Others
are ABUAD dons like Prof. Olarotimi Ojo, a Chemist, and Dr Phillip
Okiki, an Animal Health Expert, among others,’’ it said.
The
report quoted the Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Prof.
Michael Ajisafe, as saying that the MoU with University of Ilorin was
the 13th the institution signed with other universities.
“ We are
happy to partner with Unilorin, which is the most peaceful university
in the country and we are sure that based on its antecedents, the
partnership will work,” he said.
It also quoted the Deputy
Vice-Chancellor, Research, Technology and Innovations, University of
Ilorin, as saying research collaboration was in pursuit of the
university’s sustained bid for all-round development of the nation’s
education system.
“The country stands to gain a lot from it,” he said.
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