BUK biotechnology center unveils innovations to address health, food challenges
BUK biotechnology center unveils innovations to address health, food challenges
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The Center for Biotechnology Research at Bayero University Kano (BUK) has organized its inaugural public lecture to highlight advancements in biotechnology research and training.
SolaceBase reports that the event, held on Wednesday, showcased the centre’s cutting-edge laboratories, ongoing research projects, and future ambitions.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the Center, Professor Anas Ibrahim Yahya, explained the lecture aimed to showcase the centre’s research, training capabilities, and the opportunities available for the public to harness.
He announced plans to make the lecture a recurring event, either monthly or quarterly, to further engage stakeholders.
“The hallmark of this public lecture is to showcase our equipment, the research we do in the centre, and the advancements we have achieved.
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“Our focus is on predicting and preventing diseases like cancer by identifying those at risk before symptoms develop,” he said.
Professor Yahya highlighted the centre’s five major laboratories, including the molecular biology lab, general instrumentation lab, and the cell and tissue culture lab, which specializes in cancer research.
He noted the prevalence of cancer in Kano and northern Nigeria and emphasized the centre’s efforts to predict potential cases and intervene early.
The director also revealed that the centre has received funding from various sources, including N5 million from the Center for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) and N9.9 million from the Africa Center of Excellence in Population Health and Policy, to repair and upgrade faulty equipment.
Professor Yahya stressed the centre’s commitment to addressing health challenges, such as hypertension, diabetes, and congenital diseases, through genetic research.
He lauded the university’s support in ensuring reliable power supply and providing solar energy backups for critical equipment.
Additionally, the centre has prioritized capacity building by training junior staff in molecular biology techniques and other specialized skills.
“Our staff have attended national and international conferences and training sessions to build their expertise,” he added.
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The Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, represented by Professor Rufa’i Ahmad Rufa’i, described the event as a milestone in engaging the public with the centre’s potential.
“This lecture opens a new chapter where we explore the capabilities of the centre and its contributions to the university, Nigeria, and the world,” he said.
Professor Jibril Jibril, Director of the Center for Dryland Agriculture, underscored the importance of biotechnology in addressing food security for Nigeria’s growing population.
“When Nigeria gained independence, we were fewer than 40 million. Today, we are over 230 million, and by 2048, we may exceed 420 million.
“Biotechnology research is essential to tackling food, water, and housing challenges,” he noted.
The public lecture marks a significant step in Bayero University Kano’s efforts to leverage biotechnology to solve societal problems, improve healthcare outcomes, and ensure food security for the future.