The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has awarded a N250 million grant for the construction of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Center for Corrosion Research at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) in Effurun, Delta State. This initiative is part of ASR Africa’s broader Tertiary Education Grants Scheme (TEGS), which aims to support Nigeria’s higher education sector by improving educational infrastructure and quality.
At the ground-breaking ceremony for the project, Dr. Ubon Udoh, the MD/CEO of ASR Africa, emphasized the vision of the ASR Africa chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, to contribute to the growth and development of the African continent, particularly in the educational sector. Dr. Udoh explained that the selection of FUPRE for the grant was based on the university’s exceptional reputation in providing quality education, particularly in the fields of petroleum and oil & gas research.
In his remarks, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of the university for the generous donation from ASR Africa and its chairman. He noted that the Abdul Samad Rabiu Center for Corrosion Research would serve as a critical resource for advancing research on corrosion prevention, a challenge facing the oil and gas industry worldwide. The center will provide advanced technology, as well as training for students and industry professionals, equipping them with the tools necessary to combat corrosion in critical infrastructure.
Prof. Rim-Rukeh further emphasized the importance of the center, stating that it would not only help strengthen practices in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry but also contribute to international efforts in addressing corrosion-related challenges in industries globally. He explained that this collaboration will bridge the gap between academia and industry, offering students the opportunity to acquire cutting-edge skills while directly contributing to the practical needs of the sector.
“This investment by ASR Africa is a remarkable commitment to advancing scientific research, supporting technological innovation, and addressing critical challenges within the oil and gas sector,” said Prof. Rim-Rukeh. He acknowledged the deep impact of ASR Africa’s contribution, which would drive sustainable development, bolster the university’s research capabilities, and position Nigeria as a global leader in corrosion research and solutions.
Dr. Udoh concluded by reaffirming ASR Africa’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives that foster innovation and sustainability across Africa. He expressed confidence that the Abdul Samad Rabiu Center for Corrosion Research would become a hub of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration, benefiting not only FUPRE but also the entire oil and gas sector.
The project is expected to make a significant impact on both local and international industries, with FUPRE emerging as a key player in tackling global corrosion challenges and advancing solutions that will benefit economies and communities worldwide. This move is also seen as part of ASR Africa’s long-term strategy to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government, helping to create a stronger and more sustainable economy for the future.
