UAT’s Bayelsa suya research group (BSRG) receives the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) monitoring team

On August 21, 2023, the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) Monitoring and Evaluation team, headed by Acting Chairman Prof. Francis Sikoki, was warmly welcomed by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kingston Nyamapfene, and other key officials, Myschoolnews report.

The EDTF team included Prof. Francis Sikoki, Dr. (Mrs.) Alice A. Atuwo, Chief (Mrs.) Tawari Adonbazi Evelyn, Sir Mathias Otuogha, Pst. Odou Mathew O., and other members. The Lead researcher, Prof. Mansi El Mansi, provided an overview of the project, followed by a visit to the domestication enclosure and biotechnology laboratory.

During a Q&A session, Professor Mansi discussed the progress of a year-and-a-half-old project focused on the commercialization of Bayelsa Suya. The project has moved from separation and experimentation to the development of an enclosure, which is crucial for commercialization. One notable discovery was the larvae’s ability to degrade plastic waste, a significant development in reducing environmental pollution. Professor Mansi also mentioned that the Bayelsa Suya Larvae is of higher quality compared to similar research conducted by the University of Edinburgh. The second phase of farmer training will start in less than a month, allowing for more participants. When asked about the return on investment, Professor Mansi stated that the research would benefit the cassava industry, paper mills, wine and beverage industry, detergent manufacturers, probiotics, and promote research culture among young scientists in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta region.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. (Mrs.) Alice A. Atuwo, expressed her delight at the insightful discoveries made. She believes that if pursued, the commercialization of Bayelsa Suya Larvae could bring in much-needed funds to the State, given that it is of a higher grade in degrading plastics. Additionally, she mentioned that the research would launch Bayelsa State faster and it has earned an international name, “Bayelsa Suya,” which must be monetized by carrying out more research. Regarding the facilities, she acknowledged the investment made and encouraged the team to make the best use of the opportunity.

During the meeting, Chief (Mrs.) Tawari Adombazi Evelyn, a member of the Board, expressed her admiration for the remarkable achievements of the EDTF in collaboration with the University of Africa, Toru-Orua. She suggested that the research centre should be recognized as a “Centre of Excellence”.