The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has commissioned a modern chemical store for the Department of Chemistry to mark a significant step towards improving chemical storage, laboratory safety and academic excellence at the institution.
He explained that the facility was constructed through the support of the MacArthur Foundation and was expected to address longstanding challenges associated with the storage of chemicals used for teaching, research and other academic activities.
Professor Adebowale disclosed that several project ideas were considered as legacy projects in the Department, including an innovation hub, before stakeholders agreed that a modern chemical store would be the most appropriate investment, given the central role chemicals play in chemistry teaching and research.
He noted that the department had relied on an old chemical store whose design and facilities were inadequate for its needs and expressed confidence that the new facility would serve not only the Department of Chemistry but also the Faculty of Science and other departments within the university.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Grant Liaison Officer, of the MacArthur Foundation, Emeritus Professor R.A. Oderinde, the contractor, the consultant, the Directorate of Physical Planning and Project Management, and the Directorate of Works and Maintenance for their contributions to the successful completion of the project.
The Dean, Faculty of Science, Professor I. A. Oladosu lauded the development, assuring the university management that both the department and the faculty would ensure that the facility is properly utilised.
He said the new chemical store is expected to strengthen chemical management practices at the University of Ibadan, while providing improved infrastructure to support scientific research, practical training and collaboration across academic departments.
The Head of the Department of Chemistry, Professor O. O. Sonibare described the facility as a major development for the Department of Chemistry which has been identified as the largest department in the university.
He said the department had long faced difficulties in storing chemicals purchased for teaching and research, adding that the new building would help resolve these challenges and promote academic excellence.
The Head of Department assured the university management that the facility would be put to maximum use and also expressed the hope that it would eventually develop into a central chemical supply hub, serving other departments and institutions.
He emphasised that chemistry depends fundamentally on chemicals and related materials, such as reagents, solvents and equipment, thus, making proper storage essential to the operations of the department.
The Director of Physical Planning and Project Management, Professor B. I. O. Dahunsi provided a technical overview of the project, explaining that the new building was conceived after the department’s existing open-air chemical storage arrangement was found to be inadequate.
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He disclosed that the facility comprises a ground floor and a suspended floor, with two staff offices located on the upper level with two standard chemical stores designed to meet relevant safety and technical requirements.
Professor Dahunsi said the project was developed with appropriate consideration for the safe and efficient storage of chemicals.
