A two-man delegate from the World Bank recently visited the newly constructed Science Laboratory Complex of the Lagos State University Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education (LASU ACEITSE).
The delegates, led by Social Safeguard Specialist, Mr Elijah Sakpere and Environmental Specialist, Prof. Ahmed Abdullahi, arrived at the main campus in Ojo, Lagos, on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Upon their arrival, the delegation was received by Dr Hakeem Akintoye, the Deputy Centre Leader, along with other officers of the Centre. Dr Akintoye expressed gratitude for the visit, acknowledging the World Bank's emphasis on environmental safeguarding. He assured the delegates that the Centre had diligently followed all environmental specifications and guidelines during the construction of the new complex. Dr Akintoye further stated the Centre's readiness to collaborate with the World Bank.
Mr Sakpere, the Social Safeguard Specialist, emphasised that the visit was not an audit but a routine check aimed at providing necessary assistance and support. He praised Lagos as a Centre of Excellence and commended the Centre for its transparency and preparedness. Prof. Abdullahi echoed his colleague's sentiments and emphasised that the visit would focus on professional interaction, including reviewing documents, monitoring contractor work, and assessing evidence and checklists.
Before the substantive discussions, Prof. Micheal Ahove, the Research Coordinator and Environmental and Social Safeguard Officer of LASU-ACEITSE expressed gratitude for the visit while assuring the delegation that all relevant documents and pictures were available for their perusal.
During the three-hour interaction, the World Bank specialists posed questions, made observations, and provided advice to assist the Centre. The Centre's representatives responded satisfactorily, leading to the delegation expressing their contentment with the visit's outcomes.
Subsequently, the delegation and Centre officials proceeded to the newly constructed ACEITSE Laboratory adjacent to the Centre. The team meticulously examined the quality of work, assessed the equipment, and evaluated the environmental impact of the complex. After their inspection, the World Bank specialists declared their satisfaction and expressed their high level of impression of the facilities.
Mr Gbadegesin Daud, the Communication Officer of LASU-ACEITSE, conveyed the Centre's appreciation and delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the Centre. He described the visit as highly interactive, expressing gratitude for the encouraging words of the delegation and emphasising the Centre's transparency.
Noteworthy officers present during the visit included Mr Olabode Akinrinmade, Secretary/Deputy Registrar; Mr Olabisi Yusuf, Project Accountant/Deputy Bursar; Dr Wusu Adedoja, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer; Dr Muheebat Fashola, Deputy Director of Science; Dr. Isaac Bankole, Industrial Liaison Officer; Mr Lasisi Fatai, Project Internal Auditor; and Mr Tonesy, Project Procurement Officer and Administrative Officer.
