Prof. Olumide Olukanni of Redeemer’s University, Ede in Osun, has advocated the creation of ministry of biotechnology to ensure purposeful development and funding of the sector.
Olukanni, a professor of biochemistry, said this while delivering the 14th Inaugural Lecture of the university, on Thursday, in Ede.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture has as its theme: “Wonders Shall Never End: The Biotechnological Wonders Of the Maker, The Man and Microbes”.
The don, who delved into the numerous benefits of biotechnology, said that microbial diversity, in general, was waiting to be explored for the benefit of humans.
Olukanni, also dean of faculty of Basic Medical Sciences of the university, said the proposed ministry if established, would still retain the nomenclature of ministry of science and technology.
He said the proposed ministry, however, must be tasked to establish six laboratories in each of the geo-political zones of the country and should contain needed equipment for biotechnological research.
“Microbia biotechnology has opened, is opening , and will continue to open diverse opportunities for scientists who want to take up research in the field.
“There is so much research opportunity in microbial biotech and it is one of the most untapped natural resources in the world.
“However, commercialising such discovery requires much money, and our nation needs to improve general facilities such as electricity and water,” he said.
Olukanni said that microbes had shaped evolution of the human immune system, critical in understanding disease pathogenesis and for development of vaccines and treatments.
He urged government to use microbial diversity to create wealth.
“While our counterparts in the western world have taken advantage of the fact that we need microbes not only to survive but also to prosper, Nigeria, as typical developing nations, is yet to come into this reality,” he said.
Olukanni, however, urged government at all levels to leverage biotechnology as a field of endeavour, to solve many problems and come out of poverty.(NAN)
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