The AMIR Fund for Education, Science, and Technology, through FirstBank Trustees had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), establishing a fund dedicated to advancing research in molecular biology and oncology at 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 focusing on molecular biology and oncology research within the laboratory.
During the signing ceremony, AMIR Fund founder, Ridwan Sorunke, spoke about his personal connection to OAU and Professor Shittu, who mentored him during his time 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 financing 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 expressed hope 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 the 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, highlighted how the fund would significantly strengthen the department’s work, recalling challenges he faced during his own PhD.
That experience, he said, inspired his resolve to ensure his students would not face the same difficulties, a commitment he has upheld through his work.
The AMIR Fund for Education, Science, and Technology is an expandable endowment fund committed to advancing education, science, and technology at secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Rooted in the personal journey of its founder, Ridwan M. Sorunke, the AMIR Fund supports scientific and technological research and promotes educational excellence in students and teachers through scholarships, awards, and grants.
