In a significant call to action aimed at addressing poverty in Nigeria, Professor Olamide Olukanni, the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at Redeemer’s University, has urged the Federal Government to establish a dedicated Ministry of Biotechnology. According to Professor Olukanni, this new ministry would play a crucial role in harnessing the country’s rich microbial biodiversity, which he believes is a key resource that could help alleviate poverty and drive national development.
Speaking at the fourteenth inaugural lecture of Redeemer’s University in Ede, Osun State, titled “Wonder Shall Never End: The Biotechnological Wonders of the Maker, the Man, and Microbes,” Professor Olukanni highlighted the vast potential of biotechnology in Nigeria. He emphasized that while the Ministry of Science and Technology currently oversees related fields, the creation of a separate Ministry of Biotechnology would ensure more focused development and funding for biotechnological research and applications.
“Nigeria needs to see biotechnology as a field of endeavor that we can leverage to solve many problems and come out of poverty,” Professor Olukanni stated. He argued that the country is endowed with a wealth of microbial diversity that, if properly utilized, could lead to significant advancements in various sectors, including agriculture, health, and environmental management.
To support this vision, Professor Olukanni proposed that the Ministry of Biotechnology be tasked with establishing state-of-the-art laboratories in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These laboratories would be equipped with the necessary tools and infrastructure to conduct cutting-edge biotechnological research, fostering innovation and enabling the country to tap into its natural resources more effectively.
In addition to advocating for the new ministry, Professor Olukanni also called on relevant government agencies, particularly the Nigerian University Commission (NUC), to take proactive steps in enhancing scientific research infrastructure across the nation’s tertiary institutions. He recommended that the NUC mandate the annual donation of basic scientific equipment to universities and research institutions, ensuring that they are adequately equipped to contribute to Nigeria’s biotechnological advancements.
“By ensuring that every tertiary institution has access to the necessary scientific infrastructure, we can cultivate a generation of researchers and scientists capable of driving Nigeria’s development through biotechnology,” he added.
Professor Olukanni’s lecture served as a clarion call for the government to recognize the strategic importance of biotechnology in Nigeria’s future. His proposals underscore the need for a targeted and well-funded approach to harnessing the country’s biological resources, which could be instrumental in combating poverty and enhancing the overall quality of life for Nigerians.
