Experts has called for Nigeria to strengthen the study of biotechnology and research activities in the nation’s universities, saying it can play crucial roles in tackling food and medical insecurity, and environment pollution.
Speaking at a workshop with the theme ‘Biotechnology as a catalyst for sustainable economic development: Achieving SDGs through innovation and collaboration’, held at Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos, Professor of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Edo State University (EDSU), Uzairue, Charles Adetunji, said strengthening the study of Biotechnology in universities would help the country to maximise the huge potential inherent in the biotechnology subsector to address many societal challenges.
Adetunji, who is the director of research and innovation at EDSU said new things are evolving, especially in biotechnology-related fields on a daily basis, Nigeria and other African countries cannot afford to take backstage in maximising the potential in biotechnology to address pressing socio-economic crises.
The don noted that some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would have been easily achieved, particularly in Africa, if some of the discoveries and innovations of researchers were taken seriously by the Federal Government.
He said: “So, the overriding objective of the conference is to see that we exploit the potential in biotechnology to improve our agricultural productivity, food, and health security, as well as the friendly environment in Nigeria and at the global level.”
Vice Chancellor, Trinity University, Prof. Clement Kolawole, said biotechnology can play important roles in solving many problems that the country presently grapples with.
He said the conference would expose how innovations in the biotechnology field can help reduce poverty, inequality, and climate change burdens that people are confronted with, at least to the barest minimum.
Kolawole commended the convener of the conference for giving Trinity University the opportunity to host the programme.
He said even though the university is young, the impact of the institution in teaching, research, and community engagement within its six-year operation is huge and bigger than most universities that have been in existence for decades.
Former vice chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, Prof. Julius Oloke, at the workshop, underlined the importance of the conference, particularly to Nigeria.
According to him, biotechnology can help drive meaningful progress in diverse sectors of the economy, especially agriculture, health, and the environment.
