LASU Takes Lead Of Nigerian Institutions With Real-Time PCR Machine

Real-Time PCR Machine delivered to the Lagos State University (LASU).

By LOVETH AZODO, Lagos

In a bid to advance knowledge in the field of molecular biology, the Lagos State University has taken a delivery of a Real-Time PCR machine thereby becoming the first institution in Nigeria to own a Real-Time PCR machine.

The machine which was delivered in readiness for it’s installation and operation was purchased in February 2018 by the Bristow Scientific Company.

Reminiscing in 2017, a Professor of Microbiology of the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Prof Kabir Olusegun Akinyemi, won the Alexandre von Humboldt (AvH) Equipment Grant worth Twenty-Five Thousand Pounds (£25000, N15M) to purchase a Real-Time PCR machine for the institution.

OPTIMUM TIMES was informed via a statement issued by the communication department of the institution that a team of foreign experts were flown into the country and arrived at the Main Campus of the University for the installation of the equipment and training of the University staff who will handle it.

During a brief meeting with the Vice Chancellor, Prof Olanrewaju Fagbohun, the team leader, Jhab Osman, noted that the PCR machine is a powerful tool for both research and fund generation for University.

“It was a bit of challenge getting all the experts down to the country for this occasion and that is because we do not just want to give your team a theoretical training and go. We are here to give them practical hands-on training so that they can stand on their own. Our objective is to make the University a premier molecular biology laboratory in Nigeria.

“As of today, no institution has a Real-Time PCR in Nigeria. We hope that we will be able to empower the University to offer the service. We also hope to build a lasting partnership with the Lagos State University. Whatever assistance you need, please let us know. We will support you, ” he said.

On the visiting team were Mr Ade Aderoju (Bristow Nigeria), Mr Jhab Osman(Team Lead), Mr John Shidiak, Mr Anwar Dagher and Miss Elizabeth Vaughn.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Lanre Fagbohun expressed excitement at the development.

“I am super excited having you here. Two of our critical objectives as an administion are to embed high level scholarship and also internationalize our University. Your coming today further cements these objectives,” he said.

On building a lasting partnership with the firm, Prof Fagbohun remarked that, “The arrangement that you bring to train us and make us responsible is a win win for both of us. We are an institution that is transparent and accountable. We will ensure that the equipment is functional and add value to us and the society. Humanity must have full benefits for this gesture.”

The Vice Chancellor called for the support of the team in the institution’s drive to become a Centre of Excellence in the field of Molecular Biology.

The thermal cycler (also known as a thermocycler, PCR machine or DNA amplifier) is a laboratory apparatus most commonly used to amplify segments of DNA via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).