The 36th ongoing Annual International Conference of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria(BSN),held in collaboration with the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), has brought together biotechnologists, researchers, policy makers,and industry players with the focus of driving biotechnology advancement in Africa.
Prof. Sylvia Uzochukwu, President of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria(BSN), noted that biotechnology was a veritable tool that could be used to tackle global challenges and fastrack societal progress.
Prof Uzochukwu highlighted the transformative potential of biotechnology across various sectors of the economy.
In the wake of the ongoing global crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the threat of climate change, the BSN President underscored the urgency of deploying biotechnological innovations to mitigate these challenges.
He stressed the grandness of ethical principles and responsible stewardship.
He urged delegates to uphold the dignity of life, respect cultural diversity and promote social justice.
In a stirring address delivered by the Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Prof. Suleiman Bilbis spoke on the crucial role of biotechnology in driving scientific innovation and socioeconomic development in Nigeria.
He underscored the importance of leveraging biotechnology to address pressing challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth and progress.
The University Don said biotechnology hold tremendous promise in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the country; from improving agricultural productivity to advancing healthcare and environmental sustainability.
Similarly, Prof Aliyu Shugaba, Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri(UNIMAID), championed the cause of biotechnology advancement as a catalyst for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Prof. Shugaba emphasised the critical relevance of biotechnology in addressing multifaceted challenges confronting humanity.
He said UNIMAID was committed to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration to harness the power of biotechnology for the benefit of society.
In the same vein, Prof Gidado Abubakar, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee(LOC) of the conference, noted that the BSN annual international conference was a premier event in the country’s scientific calendar, drawing participants from the academia, industry and government sectors.
Prof. Abubakar underscored the importance of the conference as a common meeting point for researchers from all parts of the country.
In his opening remarks, Abraham Isah, Public Relations Officer(PRO) of the BSN, emphasised the significance of the conference in shaping pubic discourse surrounding biotechnology.
Isah said: “This conference serves as a platform to bridge the gap between sciientific advancements and public perception.
” By fostering dialogue and collaboration, we aim to dispell misconceptions and build trust in the transformation power of biotechnology. “
The BSN’s PRO said one of the key objectives of the conference was to address ethical, legal and regulatory considerations associated with the responsible consideration associated with the responsible advancement of biotechnology .