Scientists at the University of Ilorin and their counterparts at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), are finalising arrangements to develop an improved rice variety with medicinal potentials against cancer.

A report in the University of Ilorin Bulletin on Monday stated that this was the outcome of the collaboration between the two institutions for which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Feb. 2.

According to the report, the N50 million project would be carried out over a four-year period and expected to be funded from the National Research Fund of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TET-Fund).

It said that the project was aimed at enhancing the well-being of rice farmers and improving the health conditions of consumers in the country.

“The main research collaborators include Prof. Samuel Onasanya, Education Technology and Training Expert, University of Ilorin; Dr Michael Awolola, Industrial Chemist, University of Ilorin and Prof. Amos Onasanya, a Biochemist, Geneticist and Molecular Plant Pathologist.

“Others are ABUAD dons like Prof. Olarotimi Ojo, a Chemist, and Dr Phillip Okiki, an Animal Health Expert, among others,’’ it said.

The report quoted the Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Prof. Michael Ajisafe, as saying that the MoU with University of Ilorin was the 13th the institution signed with other universities.

“ We are happy to partner with Unilorin, which is the most peaceful university in the country and we are sure that based on its antecedents, the partnership will work,” he said.

It also quoted the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Technology and Innovations, University of Ilorin, as saying research collaboration was in pursuit of the university’s sustained bid for all-round development of the nation’s education system.

“The country stands to gain a lot from it,” he said.

Punchng