Central Science Labouratory

CSL Brief History

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the website of the Central Science Laboratory, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The Central Science Laboratory (CSL) was established in 1999 and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that are used by students and academics to meet the cutting edge research needs of the university towards attaining the developmental objectives of our nation in the 21st century and beyond. The Laboratory facilities have no doubt enhanced the research profile of the university, enabling it to provide strategic leadership in Research and Development activities that have earned it recognition both nationally and internationally

Mission

The mission is to provide and maintain state-of-the-art research equipment that strengthens teaching and research in the sciences and, service research and development activities nationwide. A major focus of the laboratory is to train researchers and other users on how to derive maximum benefits from the installed equipment.

It is important to emphasize that the Laboratory’s establishment has not in any way precluded faculties, departments and units from acquiring and utilizing their own research equipment, the procurement of which the Director of the CSL coordinates for the university from the yearly Federal Government Teaching and Research Equipment grant. Thus, the CSL operations complement faculty/departmental facilities, thereby providing the university a competitive advantage over others in the country. The Laboratory provides a basis for synergy in the University’s research agenda as well as encourages interdisciplinary exchange of ideas, thus setting the university at a high research pedestal.

I salute the foresight of the University authorities in establishing such a laboratory and also the effort of previous Directors of the Centre and succeeding Vice-Chancellors who have kept the dream alive through provision of needed funds for regular maintenance and newer acquisition of items of equipment. The intervention of the Carnegie Corporation of New York in partnering with the laboratory to fulfill its mandate since 2003 is also deeply appreciated.

Objectives

The major strategic objectives are to:

• Acquire and maintain specialized items of teaching and research equipment
• Provide a 24h gender friendly access to users within and outside the university, including visiting scientists
• Provide analytical services where direct access by users is considered inexpedient
• Provide a forum for vibrant interactions by way of seminars and training workshops for staff and users
• Secure partnership to guarantee sustainability of the services.