Biotech Updates

Nigerian Scholars and Scientists Challenge Gov't on Biotechnology Development

October 21, 2011

The 24th Annual Conference of the Biotechnology Society (BSN) of Nigeria hosted by Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) in Ikeji-Arakeji was attended by 240 scientists, scholars, vice chancellors and other dignitaries. The participants challenged the government to act on the urgent need to invest more resources to full and holistic application and development of biotechnology in their country.

According to Prof. B.O. Solomon, director general of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), the main goal of BSN is to ensure profitable application of biotechnology in health services, food security, industrial growth, environmental safety and protection. He also stressed that "biotechnology has the strong potential to contribute immensely to the eradication of hunger restore food security, provide affordable health care delivery services, create employment and enhance overall national development and wealth creation in Nigeria."

On the other hand, pro-chancellor and chairman of governing council Prof. Anthony Inevbore said that biotechnology could be used to alleviate poverty and use natural resources for national wealth creation.

Read more details at the following links: http://www.nigeriancompass.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6245:scholars-scientists-challenge-govt-on-biotechnology-development-&catid=327:education&Itemid=627; http://allafrica.com/stories/201110200039.html.