FUNAAB Biotechnology Centre Hosts Maiden International Conference, Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The Biotechnology Centre of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has marked a significant milestone by hosting its first-ever International Conference, themed "Harnessing Biotechnology: Pathways to a Sustainable Future." The event, which also commemorated the Centre’s 25th anniversary, provided a platform for global discussions on biotechnological advancements aimed at tackling pressing challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and public health crises.

Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, lauded the Centre’s pioneering role in biotechnology research, education, and innovation. Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, he highlighted the crucial role of biotechnology in addressing multifaceted global crises, emphasizing its impact on healthcare, agriculture, environmental conservation, and economic development.

The Director of the Biotechnology Centre, Prof. Olufunke Shittu, described the event as a remarkable milestone, underscoring the Centre’s contributions to biotechnology research. She noted that FUNAAB’s Biotechnology Centre has played a pivotal role in setting up advanced laboratories, building capacity for technologists, and training scientists who are making a global impact. Prof. Shittu also pointed out the shortage of sequencing platforms in Nigerian institutions, which has necessitated outsourcing sequencing tasks and navigating complex data analysis challenges.

A key feature of the conference was a pre-conference Hands-on Training Workshop on Genomics and Bioinformatics, acknowledging the growing relevance of these fields in modern research, particularly in medicine, agriculture, and environmental sciences.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Charles Adetunji expressed his excitement about the conference, emphasizing that biotechnology holds the key to sustainable solutions in health, food security, and economic development. He described the event as a crucial forum for dialogue, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and educators to explore the transformative potential of biotechnology.

Distinguished speakers included Prof. Christopher Akinbile, a Professor of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and Dr. Ranjana Bhattacharjee, a Molecular Geneticist specializing in Molecular Breeding at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan. Dr. Bhattacharjee’s presentation on "Biotechnology and Genomics-Assisted Breeding: Implications on Policy, Ethics, and Public Engagement" provided valuable insights into the field’s evolving landscape.

A highlight of the conference was the presentation of awards recognizing exceptional contributions to biotechnology and education. The Vice-Chancellor received the Award for Visionary Leadership for his commitment to biotechnology and academic excellence. The Award of Excellence was presented to INQABA Biotec West Africa and STAB VIDA for their unwavering support of FUNAAB's Biotechnology Centre. Other honorees included Professors Charles Adetunji, Okanlawon Onagbesan, Sylvia Uzochukwu, Akinola Popoola, Adewale Obadina, and Emeritus Prof. Olufunmilayo Adebambo for their outstanding contributions to the field.

The event attracted a distinguished audience, including the Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi; the University Librarian, represented by Dr. Odunola Agboola of the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences (FUMMS), Abeokuta; the Bursar, represented by Mrs. Margaret Omisope; as well as Deans, Directors, Professors, and students of FUNAAB.

The successful hosting of the maiden International Conference reaffirms FUNAAB’s Biotechnology Centre as a hub for innovation, research excellence, and sustainable solutions in biotechnology.