UNILAG Prof. Ogunkanmi Explores 'Secret Lives of Plants' in Eye-Opening Inaugural Lecture

Professor Liasu Adebayo Ogunkanmi, an esteemed professor of Plant Genetics and Molecular Biology at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), unveiled the hidden intricacies of plant behavior and their vital role in sustainable agriculture. This lecture, the first of UNILAG’s 2024/2025 academic session, offered groundbreaking insights into how plants engage with their environments through complex genetic and molecular processes, challenging perceptions of plants as passive organisms.

Professor Ogunkanmi’s presentation emphasized that plants, much like humans, adapt and respond actively to environmental changes. He discussed the essential role of genetic resources, or Germplasm, in breeding resilient crops, shedding light on how plants' genetic and phenotypic traits enable them to thrive in challenging conditions. His lecture showcased innovative genomic technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and high-throughput sequencing, which empower scientists to edit genes to bolster traits like drought resistance, disease resilience, and crop sustainability.

Highlighting the critical intersection of plant biology, climate change, and food security, Professor Ogunkanmi underscored the urgent need for sustainable agricultural solutions. He pointed out how the process of gene introgression—integrating advantageous genes across species—holds promise for strengthening crop robustness, thereby safeguarding food security and ecological balance.

Professor Ogunkanmi concluded with a compelling call to action, urging society to address the global crises of hunger and malnutrition. Deeming it “unacceptable and unforgivable” for hunger to persist in a resource-abundant world, he encouraged policymakers and citizens alike to champion agricultural innovations that foster both food security and environmental sustainability.

An accomplished academic with a distinguished career, Professor Ogunkanmi was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, and holds degrees from Oyo State College of Education Ila-Orangun, Obafemi Awolowo University, and UNILAG, where he has advanced from Assistant Lecturer to Professor since joining in 2005. His inspiring lecture not only expanded understanding of plant science but also reinforced the imperative of harnessing this knowledge to build a sustainable and hunger-free future. https://unilag.edu.ng/?p=44257