AMIR Fund Supports OAU Lab with Endowment to Power Biomedical Research

AMIR Fund Supports OAU Lab with Endowment to Power Biomedical Research

In a commitment to advancing local scientific research, the AMIR Fund for Education, Science, and Technology, through FirstBank Trustees, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) supporting Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) on Friday, August 22, 2025, by establishing a fund dedicated to bolstering research in molecular biology and oncology in the University. 

The endowment is structured to support OAU in two distinct but related areas. First, it will support biomedical and oncology research efforts in Professor Adebayo Shittu's Laboratory within the Department of Microbiology. 

Secondly, it will establish an annual postgraduate research fellowship award to support master's and doctoral students focused on molecular biology and oncology research within the laboratory. 

During the signing ceremony, AMIR Fund founder Ridwan Sorunke discussed his personal connection to OAU and Professor Shittu's influence, who mentored him while at the university.

"This endowment is rooted in my gratitude for the education I received in this institution and the guidance I was given. This fund is designed to catalyse local finances and build a robust framework for scientific research, right here in Nigeria, ensuring that our brightest minds have the resources they need.” Sorunke said.

He also emphasised that this initiative is "the first of many" and hopes that "with this template that has been designed, we would be able to sustain and continue it along the line."

The Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Bamire, thanked AMIR Fund for the initiative, stating that it would be "instrumental in helping to scale forward many innovations in the department as well as the school itself." He urged other alumni to follow this example and give back to their alma mater.

Professor Adebayo Shittu, founder of the Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory, expressed how the fund would significantly improve the department's work, recalling an experience from his own PhD days. This experience, he said, made him resolve to ensure his students would not face the same challenges, a commitment he has been upholding through his work.

The fund is a bold commitment to nurturing excellence and rewarding dedication. Every act of giving through AMIR FEST is "Ridwan's quiet, powerful way of saying, 'I was once where you are and someone believed in me. Now, I believe in you'".

Also in attendance at the signing were Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Academic, Professor G. A. Aderonmu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Administration, Professor E. O. Akinfala, Director of Linkages and Partnerships Office, Professor A. I. Oluwaranti, Vice Dean, Representing the Dean, Faculty of Science, Dr. B. Igbeneghu, Representative of the University Librarian, Dr. O. O. Omooboye, Directorate of Legal Services, OAU, Barr. (Mrs.) O. T. Shittu, Members of Prof Shittu's Research Team and Representatives from FirstBank Trustees and Dev Afrique Development Advisors.