By Joy Adeyiga & Femi Dansu
The Biotechnology Centre of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has concluded its Two-Day BIORISK Management Awareness Training for Scientists and Technologists in the University.
The Training, which began on May 20, 2024, was convened by the Director, Biotechnology Centre, Prof. Olufunke Shittu.
In her welcome address, Prof. Shittu said that the Workshop was funded by Sandia National Laboratories, the prime contractor for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) and Biological Threat Reduction Programme (BTRP) in the USA.
Prof. Shittu explained that the Workshop was aimed at equipping participants from various colleges and centres handling Viable Biological Materials (VBM) with essential knowledge in BIORISK Management.
She noted the Workshop’s goal of providing stakeholders and beginners with the necessary skills, abilities, and behavioural changes needed to efficiently handle and coordinate activities related to biological materials.
“The Training is designed to lay a solid foundation in risk awareness and promote safe practices in daily operations,” Prof. Shittu stated.
She also assured that the sessions would be engaging, concise, and free from information overload, using facilitated learning principles, relatable examples, case studies, and learning aids to enhance understanding.
Prof. Shittu, therefore, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for approving and supporting the training initiative through the FUNAAB Institutional Biorisk Management System (IBRMS) Committee.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Olusola Ajayi, stressed the importance of the Training, noting that understanding BIORISK Management was crucial for the safe handling of infectious chemicals and toxins in laboratories.
According to him, “It is essential to be aware of the risks posed by these materials to avoid unnecessary danger.”
Prof. Ajayi highlighted that Scientists often work with infectious agents such as leptospirosis, brucellosis, and anthrax, which necessitated the importance of such Trainings.
In his remarks, Prof. Adebayo Akinloye, Chairman of the Institutional Biorisk Management System (IBRMS), stressed the Workshop’s significance in both academic and professional contexts.
He noted that BIORISK Management was essential for safely handling biological materials and agents harmful to humans and animals.
Prof. Akinloye stated further that the Workshop was aimed to enhance knowledge, share best practices, and foster discussions and collaborations.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage with experts in the field and to utilise the Training to become proficient in BIORISK Management.
Attendees included the Director, Directorate of Technologists and Technical Staff (DITTECS), Dr. Wunmi Abimbola-Okuneye, Dr. Michael Agbaje, Mrs. Irene Ajujuoghene, as well as several Scientists and Technologists from FUNAAB.
