Last Updated on October 29, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… As Experts Train Laboratory Personnel on Biorisk Assessment, Mitigation and Biosecurity
By Femi Dansu
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has strengthened its commitment to laboratory safety and responsible scientific research through a Biorisk Management (BRM) Awareness Training Workshop held today, October 27, 2026, in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories, USA, as part of the global Biosafety and Biosecurity Month celebrated every October.
The One-Day workshop brought together newly recruited Laboratory Scientists, Technologists and assistants to enhance their capacity to identify, assess and mitigate biological risks while promoting safe laboratory practices, biosecurity and the responsible handling of biological materials.
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, the Chairman of the FUNAAB Biorisk Management Committee, Prof. Adebayo Akinloye, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, stressed that an effective biorisk management system depends on the collective commitment of everyone working within a facility and requires sustained efforts to maintain established safety standards.
He explained that performance measurement involves comparing actual results with desired outcomes through clearly defined goals, appropriate indicators, reliable data collection, reporting and continuous review. He also emphasised the need to focus on measurable activities, prioritise critical safety outcomes and use findings to improve laboratory practices.
Also speaking, the Director of the Directorate of Technologists and Technical Staff (DITTECS), Dr. ‘Wunmi Abimbola-Okuneye, emphasised the importance of boundary management in laboratory operations. She urged participants to remain conscious, alert and vigilant in observing safety boundaries, stressing that strict adherence to safety protocols was essential to protecting personnel and maintaining a secure working environment.
One of the conveners, Dr. Funmilola Oyebanji, introduced participants to the fundamentals of Biorisk Management, including Biosafety Levels (BSLs) and biosecurity principles. She explained that biosafety focuses on preventing accidental exposure to pathogens and toxins or their unintended release, while biosecurity involves protecting biological materials, equipment, technology, information and other resources against loss, misuse, unauthorised access or deliberate harm.
Dr. Oyebanji also highlighted the major pillars of laboratory biosecurity and introduced the Assessment, Mitigation and Performance (AMP) model as a framework for identifying, evaluating and managing risks associated with biological materials.
Another convener, Prof. Olubukola Adenubi, delivered a presentation on Biorisk Assessment, explaining how the likelihood and consequences of adverse events are evaluated to determine the level of risk. She identified hazard and threat assessment as critical starting points, distinguishing hazards as potential sources of harm and threats as persons or entities with the intention or capacity to cause harm, depending on the context.
She further explained that risk evaluation helps determine whether identified risks are acceptable or require additional control measures before laboratory activities can proceed. According to her, changes in hazards, threats or prevailing conditions can alter the level of risk, making continuous assessment essential for effective laboratory safety.
Speaking on Biorisk Mitigation Strategies, Prof. Michael Agbaje, a facilitator and FUNAAB’s Desk Officer for Biorisk Management, outlined practical measures for reducing biological risks. These include eliminating or substituting hazards where possible, applying engineering and administrative controls, adhering to safe work procedures and using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The workshop concluded with the presentation of certificates of attendance to participants, marking the successful completion of the training and reinforcing FUNAAB’s commitment to building a safety-conscious workforce and promoting responsible scientific research.
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