Last Updated on March 14, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

By Tofunmi Adebayo

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) recently played host to a renowned Scientist, Prof. Asami Takahiro of Shinshu University, Japan, who delivered a thought-provoking lecture on the Evolution of Reproductive Barriers in Snails. The event, held as part of FUNAAB’s ongoing commitment to international collaborations, attracted scholars, researchers, and students eager to deepen their understanding of evolutionary biology.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, underscored FUNAAB’s reputation as Africa’s leading agricultural University. He highlighted FUNAAB’s dedication to cutting-edge research, noting that partnerships such as this would further advance scientific discoveries in Animal Genetics, Evolutionary Studies, and Sustainable Biodiversity Management.

Welcoming the distinguished Guest Lecturer, the Dean of the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), Prof. Abimbola Oso, acknowledged the significance of Prof. Takahiro’s visit, particularly for researchers in Biosciences, Animal Science, Environmental Resources Management, and Veterinary Medicine. He encouraged students to seize the opportunity to learn from the renowned Scientist’s expertise.

In his lecture, Prof. Takahiro, who specialises in Molluscs and Evolutionary Adaptations in Gastropods, provided an in-depth analysis of how reproductive isolation drives speciation in snail populations. He focused on left-right asymmetry (chirality) in snails, explaining how variations in shell coiling direction (dextral vs. sinistral) create mechanical barriers to mating, ultimately leading to the formation of new species. He further explored genetic, physical, and behavioural mismatches contributing to asymmetric reproductive isolation in pulmonate snails.

Beyond the lecture, Prof. Takahiro had earlier paid a Courtesy Visit to the Vice-Chancellor and also toured FUNAAB’s research facilities, expressing keen interest in fostering collaborative projects between FUNAAB and Shinshu University. He highlighted the potential for joint research in evolutionary biology, genetics, and sustainable food production technologies.

The event concluded with an engaging interactive session where students and researchers posed insightful questions, reinforcing FUNAAB’s role as a hub for scientific inquiry and innovation. As the University continues to strengthen its global academic partnerships, this visit marked another milestone in advancing evolutionary research and broadening scientific knowledge in Nigeria and beyond.