The University of Uyo Alumni Association has donated N5 million to the state Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, to support research for a cure for the coronavirus.
The donation was presented on Wednesday June 3, 2020, by the President of the Association, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke.
Luke stated that it was necessary the institution follows suit as universities around the world are working to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
He said he was hopeful that the cure for the pandemic would be found in the state with the assistance of the faculty of pharmacy of the university.
“This particular strain of the virus was unknown to man but now it is here. Our researchers and research institutions need to rise to the occasion in challenging this pandemic that threatens our collective existence.
“Let us not think that the cure to coronavirus will come or can only come from abroad. It may be right here with us in Akwa Ibom, and it is in your hands to bring it forth,” he said.
He urged the university to do its best to ensure the appropriate use of the funds
While receiving the grant, the Dean of Pharmacy, Dr. Emmanuel Etim, thanked the alumni for the initiative.
He also lauded the association for its zeal for scientific work. Dr. Etim lamented that the bane of research had always been scarcity of funds. Hence, he pledged that the funds would be used judiciously.
Chairman, PSN, Akwaowoh Akpabio, appreciated the gesture and prayed God’s wisdom on the leadership of the alumni.
