FUTMINNA VC Commends NAEC for Boosting Food Safety Project with Next-Generation Sequencer

The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT, Minna), Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, has, on behalf of the Africa Centre of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety(ACEMFS ) FUT, Minna and the RAF5091 Project Team, expressed profound appreciation to the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) for the procurement and supply of a Next-Generation Sequencer (NGS) in support of the project titled: “Enhancing Human and Analytical Capacity for Food Safety Standards (AFRA).”

The appreciation was conveyed in a letter delivered on Monday, 27th April, 2026, by the Centre Leader, ACEMFS, FUT, Minna, Prof. Anthony H. Makun, to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NAEC, Engr. Dr. Anthony Inalegwu Godwin Ekedegwa, at the Commission’s Office in Abuja.

Prof. Kuta commended the Chairman/CEO for his kind consideration and prompt intervention in facilitating the acquisition of the critical equipment, describing the gesture as a major milestone in the implementation of the project.

He noted that the provision of the equipment would significantly enhance the University’s capacity to generate reliable scientific data for food safety risk assessment standards setting and regulatory enforcement.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the availability of the advanced analytical facility will further strengthen laboratory capabilities among participating institutions, including FUT, Minna, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

He added that the equipment would support cutting-edge research and improve national and regional efforts aimed at safeguarding public health. It would also contribute meaningfully to achieving the objectives of the RAF5091 Project through improved compliance with food safety standards and facilitation of trade.

Prof. Kuta further stated that the equipment would enhance research capacity in detecting emerging food-borne pathogens, while also enabling the tracking of antimicrobial and antibiotic-resistant strains to improve public health outcomes.

He acknowledged and commended the Commission’s sustained commitment to strengthening scientific infrastructure and capacity development in Nigeria, noting that the intervention had made a substantial impact. He also expressed optimism for continued collaboration in achieving shared national development goals.

Responding, the Chairman/CEO of NAEC, Engr. Dr. Ekedegwa, disclosed that the support package includes installation and training components to ensure optimal use of the equipment.

He urged the University and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the country derives maximum benefit from the machine, stressing that it should not become one of many under utilised facilities.

The Chairman assured the delegation that the Commission would do everything possible to ensure timely installation of the equipment and proper training of personnel for effective operation.

The NAEC Chief Executive also showed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for the letter of appreciation and for sending a delegation led by Prof. Makun, while pledging continued and fruitful collaboration with the University.

The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Director of the Nutrition and Food Safety Department, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Abuja, Mal Nuhu Adamu Kilishi, where they held productive discussions on potential areas of collaboration and partnership.