Last Updated on May 3, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… Calls for Synergy Between Indigenous Knowledge, Scientific Innovation
By Joy Adeyiga
The Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), has once again blazed the trail by holding its 9th In-House Research Review Meeting, with a resounding call for the integration of indigenous knowledge systems and modern scientific innovation to address the growing complexities of global food systems.
Held at the Postgraduate School Auditorium on April 29, 2025, the event was themed “Sustainable Food Systems: The Indigenous Knowledge and Science Nexus.”
Delivering the Keynote Address, Prof. Omotola Jaiyeola, former Director of the FUNAAB Zoo Park, underscored the invaluable contributions of indigenous knowledge to agri-food systems. He described it as a culturally embedded and orally transmitted wisdom, built on generations of human-nature interactions, practical skills, and live experiences. Prof. Jaiyeola stressed that such knowledge systems promote sustainability and resilience, particularly in rural communities.
Citing the rising global interest in herbal and plant-based therapies due to escalating healthcare costs, he warned that a lack of documentation and the spread of misinformation continue to endanger this rich heritage. While acknowledging the value of modern science, he noted its dominance has, in some cases, contributed to global health and environmental challenges.
In a complementary presentation, the Lead Speaker, Prof. Sam Oluwalana, echoed the keynote message and called for proper recognition and support for the Indigenous Knowledge Unit of IFSERAR. According to him, the Unit represented over 100,000 hours of scholarly dedication to preserving traditional wisdom.
He advocated for “environmental humility” and a renewed sense of cooperation with nature amid escalating global crises. Prof. Oluwalana described indigenous knowledge as a shared global heritage shaped by climate, biodiversity, soil, migration patterns, language, and even celestial interpretations. He encouraged the academic community to appreciate the enduring relevance and adaptability of traditional systems in resolving modern societal issues.
Welcoming participants earlier, the Director of IFSERAR, Prof. Olusegun Idowu, shed light on the meeting’s theme and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to embedding Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into its core research activities. He expressed gratitude to the University Management, stakeholders, and the IFSERAR community for their support, and called for stronger collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Oluyemisi Eromosele, lauded IFSERAR’s forward-looking approach to research and its strategic alignment with sustainable development goals. She highlighted the University’s groundbreaking work in climate-resilient crops, low-carbon livestock systems, and AI-powered agricultural technologies as pivotal to the transformation of food systems.
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged researchers to “Lead Globally, Act Locally,” noting that this principle would position IFSERAR as a future global leader in interdisciplinary research while deepening community impact and fostering inclusive innovation.
