MTN Foundation had donated an oligo-synthesiser equipment to the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research.
The synthesiser is to aid local development of primers for indigenous production of test kids for COVID.
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MTN handed over the equipment on Friday after being led through the premises of NIMR.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora said, “Our gathering is a testimony to our desire not to be left behind in the global resolve to confront the situation at hand that is COVID-19.
“It is a battle that can be won through collaborative effort like the one we’re witnessing today with MTN Foundation. Nimr has surpassed our expectations as the foremost medical research facilities in Africa and appreciates MTN Nigeria for this donation.”
Chairman of MTN Foundation, run by MTN Nigeria, Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, said, “One of our society’s biggest problems and create lasting change in communities across the country is at the heart of what we do. As we celebrate 20 years of operations in Nigeria, we are further motivated to implement projects of maximum impact in our communities.”
“As an organisation, we embark on projects with a clear goal – To improve the quality of life of Nigerians. In line with this, we are pleased to have partnered with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in establishing the Oligosynthesis laboratory.”
The Oligo-synthesizer is extremely useful in current laboratory practice as it provides rapid and inexpensive access to custom-made DNA or RNA molecules of the desired sequence.
