By Mustafa Abubakar
The Director of the Central Research Laboratories (CRL), University of Ilorin, Prof. Ibraheem Adeola Katibi, has urged postgraduate students of the University to take full advantage of the institution’s world-class research facilities while upholding the highest standards of research ethics and integrity.
Prof. Katibi made the call last Thursday (November 20, 2025) while speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin in his office.
He described the CRL as the heartbeat of research at the University, noting that the facility established in 2008 and made fully operational in 2020, was designed to provide functional, state-of-the-art, and cost-intensive equipment to support high-quality scientific investigation.
“CRL is more than a building; it is where innovation meets excellence. We support research to advance humanity,” the Director said.
Highlighting the vision and mission of the CRL, Prof. Katibi explained that the centre aims to strengthen cutting-edge research and contribute significantly to the University’s aspiration of becoming a world-class institution.
He added that the laboratories, equipped with facilities worth over ₦2.5 billion, offer multidisciplinary platforms for researchers in science, engineering, and health-related fields.
He listed CRL’s core laboratories to include Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Physics, Tissue Culture, and Instrumentation, all designed to meet international standards, including ISO 17025 compliance.
On research opportunities, Prof. Katibi noted that the CRL provides fertile ground for collaboration with units such as ACHRI, UREC, LABTOP, as well as with industry players, TETFund, and international partners.
He further encouraged students to explore both internal and external grant opportunities, with the CRL offering technical support for proposal development and project execution.
Speaking on laboratory ethics, the Director emphasised honesty, professionalism, respect for participants, confidentiality, adherence to safety protocols, and responsible data handling as non-negotiable pillars of credible research.
He cautioned students against misconduct such as falsification of data, misuse of research funds, and violation of ethical or safety standards, stressing that integrity remains central to sustainable scholarship.
Prof. Katibi also outlined the step-by-step process for accessing CRL services, which includes registration, submission of sample or project request forms, obtaining cost estimates, and scheduling analyses or training with laboratory officers.
He urged the new postgraduate students to explore the CRL, maintain ethical conduct, and leverage available facilities responsibly to drive innovation and impactful research.
