CU Partners with Mayo Clinic on Cancer Research
Covenant University recently hosted a high-powered delegation from Mayo Clinic, USA, led by Professor Folakemi Odedina, who visited the institution alongside five senior officers to strengthen ongoing collaborations in cancer research.
Welcoming the guests, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Anake, described the partnership as one that has grown steadily since the tenure of the late Professor Aize Obayan and continued through successive administrations. He noted that Professor Odedina’s long-standing relationship with Covenant University has greatly enhanced the institution’s visibility in prostate cancer research and related studies.
According to Professor Anake, this partnership was instrumental in Covenant University attaining its Centre of Excellence status within the CApIC-ACE research cluster, a recognition that has attracted numerous international grants and accolades for the University. He further expressed excitement about the new opportunities the collaboration offers, particularly in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into ongoing studies. He emphasized that this innovative approach has the potential to accelerate research breakthroughs and deliver solutions to diseases such as malaria and cancer that continue to affect Africa disproportionately.
Professor Solomon Rotimi, the African PI for Prostate Cancer Trans-Atlantic Consortium, (CaPTC), lauded Professor Odedina’s invaluable role in laying a strong foundation for the cluster. He highlighted how her work at Mayo Clinic continues to shape and enrich research efforts at Covenant University. Similarly, Professor Banke Ogunlana, the Covenant University PI for Prostate Cancer Trans-Atlantic Consortium (CaPTC), commended her consistent support, recalling how she facilitated visits by former University leaders to Florida State University, which helped strengthen the research base of the institution.
In her remarks, Professor Odedina expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception she has always enjoyed at Covenant University. She reiterated her commitment to advancing the partnership, particularly by fostering the adoption of AI-driven solutions in research. She also extended her greetings to Professor Emeka Iweala, Professor Banke Ogunlana, Professor Solomon Rotimi, and the entire CaPTC and CApIC-ACE team, encouraging them to sustain their momentum and keep raising the University’s profile on the global stage.
The visit, she noted, was aimed at consolidating the existing relationship while exploring fresh areas of collaboration to drive impactful research and foster the Sustainable Development Goals on Good health and well-being (SDG 3), Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), as well as Partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).
Also present at the meeting were the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Igba; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lanre Amodu; and other members of the University Management Team.
