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.
Source:Punchng
