Experts have called on the government 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, as well as environment pollution.
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Speaking at a workshop themed: ‘Biotechnology as a catalyst for sustainable economic development: Achieving SDGs through innovation and collaboration,’ Prof Charles Adetunji of Edo State University (EDSU), said strengthening the study of biotechnology in universities would help in maximising the huge potential inherent in the sub-sector to tackle societal challenges.

Adetunji, who is the director of research and innovation at EDSU, said new things are evolving, especially in biotechnology-related fields, and Nigeria cannot afford to take backstage in maximising the inherent potentials to address pressing socio-economic crises.

At the workshop held at Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos, the don noted that some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) could have been easily achieved, particularly in Africa, if government had taken some of the research innovations seriously.

He said: “So, the overriding objective of the conference is to see that we exploit the potential in biotechnology to improve our agricultural productivity, health and food security.”

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Clement Kolawole, said biotechnology could help in solving the many problems the country is grappling 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.
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