Vice-Chancellor, Trinity University Yaba, Lagos State, Prof. Clement Kolawole, has restated the institution’s commitment to fostering collaborations, research, and cutting-edge innovation in biotechnology to drive sustainable economic development.
Kolawole gave the assurance at the 2024 Recent Advances in Technology (RAIB) Fourth Annual International Conference and Workshop.
The event, which held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, in Lagos, was hosted by the Faculty of Basic Medical and Applied Science of the institution.
The conference had the theme: “Biotechnology as a Catalyst for Sustainable Economic Development: Achieving SDGs through Innovation and Collaboration”.
According to the vice-chancellor, there are many challenges globally, which call for new ideas and new disciplines to expand the frontiers of knowledge in tackling them.
“This conference is the first of its kind to hold here, in this university, and we are proud to be at the forefront to address the most pressing challenges facing our world today.
“Our aim is to facilitate meaningful dialogue, forge strategic partnerships and promote knowledge sharing that drives sustainable economic development and accelerates progress toward achieving the United Nation’s SDGs,” he said.
The Convener of the event, Prof. Charles Adetunji, said that biotechnology could be applied to unlock solutions for nations and the world at large.
Adetunji said that issues such as health crisis, environmental sustainability and economic stability could be addressed through biotechnology.
He added that the conference was a clarion call to solve global challenges through biotechnology.
“We can harness the power of biotechnology to forge a path toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
“As we embark on this exciting journey, let us embrace the opportunities before us with enthusiasm.
“The conference will cover areas such as health, food security, Artificial Intelligence, blue economy, entrepreneurship, metabolic engineering and economic growth.
“All these, I believe, will effectively address the ‘Japa syndrome’ in the country,” he said.
Earlier, Prof. Thomas Webster of the Hebei University of Technology and Interstellar Therapeutics, U.S. who joined the conference virtually, promised to support Nigerian students to the U.S. to conduct research toward solving global challenges.
In a keynote address, Prof Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General, National Biotechnology Development Agency, described the conference as timely.
Abdullahi said that the conference was in line with the aims and objectives of the agency.
He said that there was need for research that would generate results for the good of the society.
Abdullahi commended Trinity University for efforts in exploring solutions to global challenges.
He urged participants to see the conference as a great opportunity.
The Acting Dean, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences of Trinity University, Dr Modupeade Adetunji, expressed delight that the conference brought together innovators, researchers and industry experts.
“We recognise the immense potential of biotechnology to address global challenges,” she said.
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu and Bolu Akindoyin
