Last Updated on September 18, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

By Patrick Erinoso

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has taken a decisive step towards strengthening laboratory safety and promoting global best practices in biosafety management with the introduction of new biorisk management measures across its laboratories.

In a circular issued by the Deputy Registrar I, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Moses Ayanda, the University Management directed Deans and Directors to implement the recommendations of the Biorisk Management Committee. These include categorising laboratories based on Biosafety Levels (BSLs), closing identified biorisk gaps, tightening access control to laboratories, repairing damaged biosafety cabinet filters at the Department of Veterinary Microbiology, and providing an incinerator for biowaste treatment. The incinerator is also expected to create opportunities for commercialisation through partnerships with healthcare facilities in Abeokuta.

To ensure compliance, the Biorisk Management Committee would carry out periodic inspections of laboratories across the University.

As part of the implementation process, the University has appointed Dr. Michael Agbaje of the College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET) as the Biosafety Officer (BSO). In addition, Prof. Olubukola Adenubi, Dr. Adijat Atayese, and Dr. Mary Olasoju were named as members of the Awareness Committee charged with driving sensitisation and adherence to safety protocols.