Ahead of the official opening of the newly constructed Science Laboratory Complex of Lagos State University Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education (ACEITSE), a 2-man Delegation from the World Bank, visited the Centre on Friday, 26 April 2024.
The two specialists were received by the Deputy Centre Leader, Dr. Hakeem Akintoye as well as other officers of the Centre at the main campus, Ojo, Lagos.
In his welcome address, Dr. Akintoye said, though the notice of the visit was short, the Centre was prepared and ready, with all documents and papers requested by the World Bank.
In his words, “Safeguard is important, and the World Bank do not joke with the issue of the Environment. During the construction of the new complex, we adhered strictly to all the environmental specifications and guidelines.
“We called a meeting of all stakeholders before the construction work started. We are here, ready to work with you, though the notice was short. We welcome you to Lagos State University.”.
The leader of the delegation, Social Safeguard Specialist, Mr. Elijah Sakpere said the team was on a routine check.
He added that the team was on hand, not to audit or pick holes in what the Centre does, but to provide necessary assistance where needed as well as support.
“Lagos is always the Centre of Excellence. Accept us with open hands. It is clear this Centre is on top of its game, and you have nothing to hide. This shows you are ready. We will work together,” he ended his remarks.
The Environmental Specialist, Prof. Ahmed Abdullahi, corroborating the remarks of his colleague, insisted the visit was not an audit, but, a routine check.
“Our visit is a routine check and will be largely based on a professional interaction. We will take a look at the books, we will monitor the works done by the contractors, and look at the evidence and the checklist. This is an opportunity to guide the Centre,” he added.
Just before the interaction started, the Research Coordinator and Environmental and Social Safeguard Officer, LASU-ACEITSE, Prof. Micheal Ahove appreciated the duo for the visit.
He informed that all the documents as well as pictures were available for the World Bank Specialists to go through.
The visitors soon settled for business of the day with questions, observations, comments, and advises that would assist the Centre.
The guests provided the necessary responses.
At the end of the three hours interaction, the World Bank Specialists said they were satisfied with the responses they got.
The duo and officers of the Centre then moved to the newly constructed ACEITSE Laboratory beside the Centre.
The team checked the quality of work, the equipment, and the environmental impact of the complex.
At the end of the inspection, the team said categorically, “We are highly impressed.”
The Communication Officer, LASU-ACEITSE, Mr Gbadegesin Daud, on behalf of the Centre, gave the vote of thanks.
“This visit has been a great one, very interactive, and thank you for your words of encouragement. You can see the Centre truly has nothing to hide,” he stated.
He wished the team a safe trip back to its base.
Other officers of the Centre on ground during the visit are Secretary/Deputy Registrar, Mr Olabode Akinrinmade, Project Accountant/Deputy Bursar, Mr Olabisi Yusuf, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Dr Wusu Adedoja, Industrial Liason Officer, Dr Isaacs Bankole, Project Internal Auditor, Mr Lasisi Fatai, Project Procurement Officer and Administrative Officer, Mr Tonesy Mathew.
