Biotechnology Society to partner with institutions to ramp up food production, medical research
From right: Vice Chancellor University of Maiduguri, Secretary to Borno state Governor, Waziri of Borno and DG National Biotechnology Research Institute at the 36th International Conference of Biotechnology Society of Nigeria at University of Maiduguri
By Dauda Iliya
The National Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), has promised to partner with the public and private sectors to develop a vibrant bio-economy that will translate to sustainable food security, affordable healthcare and sustainable environment.
National President of the Society, Professor Sylvia Uzochukwu made the promise at the 36th International Conference of (BSN) held at Muhammadu Indimi International Conference Centre, University of Maiduguri, with the theme ‘Innovative Biotechnology for National Development: Role of Public and Private partnerships’.
She streesed that for any nation to mitigate disease outbreak and achieve sustainable development, there was the need to embrace Biotechnology and Research by both public and private sectors.
Professor Uzochukwu also pledged to support Borno State Government and other states of the federation to have access to basic healthcare and sustainable development.
The National President implored on chief executives of Nigerian universities and other research institutes to budget to provide more funding for conference attendance to ensure staff acquire new knowledge and skills.
“The training courses help to build human and institutional capacities in biotechnology for the country, with a view to solving our problems with food security, affordable health care, and a safe environment.” Uzochukwu said.
Borno state Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum represented by the Secretary to the State Government Dr Bukar Tijjani said the state government will partner with Biotechnology Society of Nigeria and other related Institutions in mitigating the increasing cases of Kidney disease.
He noted that one of major health challenge in Borno and Yobe states, is the rampant cases of renal failure which the government is exploring every available opportunity to address.
“Borno State Government will support BSN and it’s affiliates in its research programmes by developing vaccines and other consumables aimed at addressing the most killer diseases such as Malaria, kidney failure and other human and vetinery health, as well as agriculture to achieve socio- economic development”. Zulum stated.
The Vice Chancellor University of Maiduguri, Professor Aliyu Shugaba said the North East Centre for Biotechnology domiciled in the institution has attracted a research grant of over 6O million as well as 20,000 dollars in interventions, particularly, in the area of Biorisk Management.
He also remarked that the University has commenced degree programme in Biotechnology aimed at providing the needed professionals to stimulate the application of biotechnology to transform health, environment, agriculture and industries for the country’s socio-economic growth.
Governor Babagana Zulum along side the Vice Chancellor University of Maiduguri Professor Shugaba received Biotechnology Society of Nigeria 2024 Achiever’s Awards, for prioritizing Education, Science and Technology.
