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Key Points
- ASR Africa has commenced construction of a N250 million ($147,691) Corrosion Research Centre at FUPRE, funded under its Tertiary Education Grants Scheme (TEGS).
- The centre aims to advance research in material degradation and infrastructure sustainability, addressing critical challenges in Nigeria's oil and gas sector.
- This initiative aligns with Abdul Samad Rabiu’s vision to empower African institutions through impactful investments in education and innovation.
Nigerian billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu, through his philanthropic organization ASR Africa, has launched the construction of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Center for Corrosion Research at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) in Effurun, Delta State. The project, backed by a N250 million ($147,691) grant under ASR Africa’s Tertiary Education Grants Scheme (TEGS), highlights the initiative’s commitment to advancing education and research in Nigeria.
Advancing research and industry collaboration
The new corrosion research center is designed to address material degradation, infrastructure sustainability, and corrosion control technologies — critical issues in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. With corrosion-related challenges significantly impacting the country’s infrastructure, the center will serve as a vital resource for both academia and industry. By fostering collaboration, it aims to develop practical solutions to improve the operational efficiency and sustainability of Nigeria's energy sector.
The center is part of ASR Africa’s broader strategy to support higher education across Africa. The organization has already made significant contributions to universities such as Al-Qalam University and Babcock University through funding for development projects.
ASR Africa’s swift impact
Established in 2021 by Rabiu, ASR Africa has quickly gained recognition for its impactful philanthropic efforts. The initiative prioritizes investments in education, healthcare, and social development to drive sustainable change across the continent.
This project follows Rabiu’s December 2022 announcement of a N10 billion ($6.49 million) grant aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s security infrastructure. The Security Sector Support Grant also benefits the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Army, and various paramilitary organizations.
In addition, ASR Africa recently broke ground on a world-class research laboratory for the Federal University Lokoja in Kogi State, demonstrating the initiative’s broad range of projects and its ongoing commitment to transforming higher education and critical sectors across Nigeria.
