McPherson University Hosts Maiden Scientific Conference, Highlights Role of Bioscience and Biotechnology in Sustainable Development

McPherson University successfully hosted the first Scientific Conference of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (SC COLNAS 2025), bringing together researchers, scholars, and industry experts to explore emerging scientific challenges and opportunities.

The conference, held from November 17 to 19, 2025, was themed “Emerging Trends in Bioscience and Biotechnology Towards Attaining Sustainable Development Goals in Food Security, Global Health and Environmental Resilience.” It provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the application of science and biotechnology to address global sustainability challenges.

In his opening address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Francis Igbasan commended the college for convening experts to examine advances in biosciences and biotechnology. He highlighted the growing threats from climate change, food insecurity, public health crises, and environmental degradation, emphasizing the need for universities to generate knowledge that directly responds to societal needs. Prof. Igbasan reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening research infrastructure, expanding funding opportunities, and supporting scientific innovation.

The Dean of the College, Prof. Victor Oyetayo, underscored the central role of science in national development, stressing that meaningful progress depends on investment in research, experimentation, and problem-solving.

Key presentations were delivered during the plenary sessions by Prof. Ganiyu Oboh of the Federal University of Technology, Akure; Prof. Olubukola O. Babalola of North West University, South Africa; and Assistant Prof. Opeyemi O. Lawal of the University of Windsor, Canada. Prof. Oboh’s keynote lecture focused on the transformative impact of biotechnology in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental restoration, cautioning that Nigeria risks lagging behind in global scientific advancement without serious investment in research and technological infrastructure.

The conference concluded with calls for sustained collaboration among universities, industries, government agencies, and global partners, aimed at translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions for food security, environmental resilience, and public health.

SC COLNAS 2025 set the stage for an annual platform for scientific dialogue, innovation, and capacity development, positioning McPherson University as a key contributor to Africa’s scientific advancement.