The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kolawole Salako has restated Management’s commitment at providing an enabling environment for staff of the University to showcase their ingenuity in whatever area of research they find themselves.

                Prof. Salako made this known at the 2021 Hybrid Training Workshop on Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics and Campus Tour by the Biotechnology Centre of the University.

                He disclosed that  Management is currently investing in equipment purchase and maintenance in the various Centres and Laboratories of the University, adding that they have started reaping the dividends of this policy by winning a large number of  research grants, nationally and internationally.

                According to the Vice-Chancellor, “Our University cannot be left behind. Application of Biotechnology research tools is in tandem with our vision to promote scholarly contributions for positive impact on mankind and environment, particularly in the area of food security and export-driven agriculture”.

                The Vice-Chancellor described Biotechnology as a tool that can be applied in any discipline for research output, stressing that any technique that uses living organisms or their products to make or modify a product to improve plants or animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific use is referred to as Biotechnology.

He further noted that the breakthrough in COVID-19 diagnosis and control was made possible through the techniques of modern biotechnology, adding that in recent times, biotechnology has found application in the use of microorganisms to break down toxic wastes, synthesis of insulin, selective plant and animal breeding, genetic transformation of plants and animals for trait improvement.

He also appreciated the efforts of the present and past leadership of the Centre for working within the available resources to impact the knowledge of modern biotechnology techniques to quite a large number of participants from within and outside the country, stating that since the Centre was established in the year 2000, it has been in the forefront of manpower development in the aspect of modern biotechnology and its application, and that with more than one course running in a few years, the Centre could as well be counting over 25 of such training activities.

                While noting that this is the first time the Centre is making the Training to be hybrid in presentation, with participants having the options of attending physically or online, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that it signifies the importance the University attaches to the observance of the Federal Government’s directives on COVID-19.

                He however enjoined all participants to pay close attention to the technical aspect of the training so that they can effortlessly pass it on to others, stressing that they should endeavour to interact with others in order to open up possible areas of research collaborations.

                Also, the Director, Biotechnology Centre, Prof. Akinola Popoola in his Address revealed that the Training is one of the major activities of the Centre saying that since the inception of the Centre, they have had series of Training with participants excelling in their chosen fields.

                According to him, “The Training is one of the major activities of the Centre and our Trainees and participants are doing well in their chosen fields. Since the creation of the Centre, we have had a series of Training and our Trainees who happen to be our participants are currently holding very vital positions all over the nation and even outside Nigeria where they are manning Biotech related places, Institutes and Departments”.

                Prof. Popoola appreciated the Associate Scientists working with the Centre for their expertise in training the participants over the years, stating that they have been quite cooperative in making the Training and Centre a success.

                The Director also commended the Vice-Chancellor for his generosity in granting access to the Programme and considering the requests of the Post graduate students, noting that the Programme has been quite helpful to previous participants in their research activities, teaching endeavours and other aspects.

                Meanwhile, goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of support Companies among which are Inqaba Biotech West Africa Ltd, Peter and Jane Ltd, Femimat Concept Ltd, and Steve Nicholas Nigeria Ltd as they all express their delight in partnering and associating with FUNAAB while wishing the Centre and University the best.

Last Updated on February 2, 2022 by FUNAAB