FEATURED NEWS
Uniport Gets Covid-19 Lab
- Details
- Published: 06 May 2021
University of Port Harcourt now has functional Covid-19 Molecular-T esting laboratory. The follows the commissioning of the laboratory
equipment donated by AMNI International Petroleum Development Company on Monday, September 14, 2020. The laboratory is situated at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology and Bioresources Research. In his speech, Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Stephen Okodudu expressed appreciation to the donor . “We are grateful to AMNI International Petroleum Development Company. I see this donation and the relationship with the Company as a very strategic handshake between the university and the industry . It i s a g l o b a l b e s t p r a c t i c e . I c a l l o n c o r p o r a t e organisations to emulate AMNI,” Professor Okodudu said.
In his address, Special Adviser to Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the donor Company, ProfessorOladipo Afolabi, noted that government has made tremendous efforts to contain the spread of the virus through massive public education on the preventive measures, building of facilities and provision of drugs. “Private individuals and corporate citizens need to give a helping hand in the provision of infrastructure for ourteeming population. It is in view of this, that AMNI as part of its corporate social responsibility , decided to partner with the University of Port Harcourt to deliver
a standard Covid-19 T est Centre to the benefit of residents of Port Harcourt in particular and Rivers State in general,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Director , RCBBR, Professor Anthony Ataga, said the commissioning of Covid-19 laboratory would go a long way in assisting the state, the nation and the world at large in fighting SARS CoV -2 Virus, which is responsible forCovid-19.
“The lab is open to staff of AMNI International Petroleum Development Company Limited, members of the University of Port Harcourt community and the general public,” he added. The highlight of the event, which featured a Courtesy Call on the Acting Vice Chancellor , was a tour of the d i a g n o s t i c c e n t r e . O t h e r d i g n i t a r i e s a t t h e Commissioning Ceremony included the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Regina Ogali, Registrar , Dr Dorcas Otto, Bursar , Dr Felicia Ayuwo and the University Librarian, Dr Susan Umeozor . Representing AMNI were Group Managing Director , Mr Wa l e Ol a s i f i s a n , Gro u p Ma n a g e r, Hu ma n Resources, Ayo Otepola, and Head, Health, Safety and Environment, Joseph Ekpelegho. Others included Head of Port Harcourt Office, Sam Famfo, Community Relations Officer , Gafa Abdullalhi.
