NABDA, AUDA-NEPAD COLLABORATE TO BOOST GENOME EDITING, BIOTECH
The workshop intends to strengthen institutional capacity aligning with national and continental objectives, fostering an environment for innovation and excellence.
Abuja, Nigeria- Academic and research leaders gathered in Abuja Thursday for a two-day workshop aimed at enhancing Nigeria's capacity in genome editing and biotechnology, writes Toyin Omozuwa.
The workshop was organized by the African Union Development Agency NEPAD in collaboration with the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA).
In opening remarks, NABDA Director-General Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha said the collaboration comes at a crucial time, after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently declared a national food security emergency underscoring Nigeria's duty to ensure sustainable food supply.
The NABDA-AUDA-NEPAD genome editing project began over a year ago, making Nigeria one of eight African countries getting support to optimize agriculture through communication and advocacy around genome editing.
Mustapha encouraged knowledge sharing and teamwork among participants to build networks driving innovation and growth.
"Success depends on our collective commitment to collaboration," Mustapha said.
AUDA-NEPAD's Prof. Olalekan Akinbo said teaching genome editing in universities is a key goal.
"This framework will accelerate progress in research and development," Akinbo said.
Genome editing and biotech have potential to transform agriculture and science, participants heard.
The workshop intends to strengthen institutional capacity aligning with national and continental objectives, fostering an environment for innovation and excellence.
"We must break down silos through cooperation," Mustapha told attendees.