Last Updated on March 14, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Femi Dansu
The Biotechnology Centre of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has held its maiden International Conference, a groundbreaking event aimed at advancing global sustainability through cutting-edge biotechnological innovations.
With the theme “Harnessing Biotechnology: Pathways to a Sustainable Future,” the conference served as a platform for critical discussions on how biotechnology can address pressing global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and public health crises.
Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, congratulated the Centre on its 25th Anniversary, acknowledging its pioneering role in biotechnology research, innovation, and education. Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, the Vice-Chancellor stated that the world faces multifaceted crises, making sustainable solutions more critical than ever. He highlighted biotechnology as a beacon of hope in revolutionising healthcare, agriculture, environmental conservation, and economic development while navigating ethical and policy landscapes.
The Director of the Biotechnology Centre, Prof. Olufunke Shittu, in her Opening Remarks, described the conference as a significant milestone in the Centre’s journey. She noted that FUNAAB’s Biotechnology Centre has been instrumental in setting up biotechnology laboratories, building capacity for Technologists, and training Scientists who were making global impacts.
As part of its activities, the conference commenced with a pre-conference Hands-on Training Workshop on Genomics and Bioinformatics, recognising their increasing relevance in modern research across various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and environmental sciences. Prof. Shittu lamented the shortage of sequencing platforms in Nigerian institutions, which often forces researchers to outsource sequencing and grapple with complex data analysis.
Delivering the Keynote Address, Prof. Charles Adetunji expressed his excitement about the Conference, noting that biotechnology holds the key to sustainable solutions in health, food security, and economic development. He described the event as a platform for critical dialogue, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and educators to explore biotechnology’s transformative potential.
Other distinguished speakers included Prof. Christopher Akinbile, a Professor of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and Dr. Ranjana Bhattacharjee, a Molecular Geneticist with a specialisation in Molecular Breeding at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, who spoke on “Biotechnology and Genomics-Assisted Breeding: Implications on Policy, Ethics, and Public Engagement.”
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards in recognition of outstanding contributions to biotechnology and education. The Vice-Chancellor received the Award for Visionary Leadership for his unwavering commitment to biotechnology and academic excellence. The Award of Excellence was presented to INQABA Biotec West Africa and STAB VIDA for their steadfast support of FUNAAB’s Biotechnology Centre. Professors Charles Adetunji, Okanlawon Onagbesan, Sylvia Uzochukwu, Akinola Popoola, Adewale Obadina, and Emeritus Prof. Olufunmilayo Adebambo were also honoured for their significant contributions to the field.
The conference attracted a distinguished audience, including the Registrar, Dr Titus Adeniyi; the University Librarian, who was represented by the University Librarian of the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences (FUMMS), Abeokuta, Dr. Odunola Agboola; the Bursar (represented by Mrs. Margaret Omisope); Deans and Directors of the University; Professors from various Departments; and students of FUNAAB.
