UNIDEL, Nigerian Biological Science Abstracts Hold Workshop on Biosafety Awareness

A one day workshop organised by the Nigerian Biological Science Abstracts, NIBSA, South-South Zone in collaboration with University of Delta Agbor, has been held.

In a welcome address, A Biorisk Management Expert Dr Collins Adejekuko disclosed that the workshop was to enhance awareness and understanding of biosafety protocols among faculty members, students and staff involved in biological research and related activities.

He stated that the workshop would serve as an opportunity for membership drive into the Biological Safety Association.

Dr Adejekuko maintained that it would provide foundational knowledge on Biosafety and Biosecurity regulation and institutional policies, promote best practice for handling biological materials, safely and securely, and foster a culture of safety and responsibility within the University Community.

He further explained that as an institution, UNIDEL was  involved in research that includes manipulating organisms like bacteria.

Three resource persons Dr P. Etinosa, Dr E. Nwoka and Dr .l.M George -Opuda in their respective lectures identified the importance of governance and stakeholders involvement in fostering a culture of biosafety and biosecurity awareness .

They stressed that Biosafety and Biosecurity require collective, cross disciplinary collaboration and interconnectedness which goes beyond the confines of biological sciences enhancing understanding, support and compliance to safety measures.

They noted that universities as centers of research have an immense responsibility to ensure that all stakeholders from Deans and faculty members to students are aware of those government structures .

They also highlighted the key resources used to support Biorisk Management including safe and secure laboratory practice.

The one day workshop which attracted staff and students including the Dean of Agriculture, Prof. Helen Ajayi provided a session for questions and interaction.

In a vote of thanks, Dr ( Mrs) Oyem appreciated the resource persons for excellent lectures. She also commended the University Management for providing the necessary support for the  success of the workshop.