Enugu Hosts FADIB’s 30th Annual Conference on Bridging Biotechnology Research and Industry




The Foundation for Africa Development Through International Biotechnology (FADIB) has once again reaffirmed its commitment to scientific excellence with the successful hosting of its 30th Annual Conference/Workshop and General Meeting at the Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Themed "From the Bench to the Industries," the gathering brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology and explore strategies to bridge the gap between research and industrial applications.


Declaring the event open, the Honourable Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Engr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh PhD, underscored the transformative potential of biotechnology in driving economic growth, improving healthcare systems, and ensuring food security across Africa. He reaffirmed that under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Enugu State is committed to fostering an ecosystem that supports research commercialization, biotechnology startups, and bio-entrepreneurship initiatives.

"Governor Peter Mbah has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation and technological advancement in Enugu State. Through strategic policies and investments, we are creating an enabling environment for research institutions, entrepreneurs, and industries to thrive. Our goal is to move beyond theoretical research into practical, scalable solutions that will revolutionize various sectors," Engr. Ezeh stated.

He commended FADIB for its three decades of dedication to scientific progress, emphasizing that collaborations like this are essential in positioning Enugu as a hub for biotechnology and innovation.

In her welcome address, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman, Prof. T.N.T Nwagu, expressed profound gratitude to all participants, noting that the annual gathering has been instrumental in fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and cutting-edge research in biotechnology. She emphasized the significance of translating scientific discoveries into industrial solutions that address real-world challenges.

A highlight of the event was an insightful presentation by Prof. Frank Ogbu, Director of the Biotechnology Research Centre, who provided a comprehensive analysis of the evolving landscape of biotechnology, particularly the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research and development. He explained how AI-driven approaches are optimizing genetic studies, improving crop yield predictions, and revolutionizing precision medicine.

Further expanding on the intersection of technology and biotechnology, Dr. Blessing Ogbuokiri delved into emerging trends in AI and information technology within the field. She highlighted how digital tools and machine learning are reshaping bioinformatics, accelerating drug discovery, and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

The conference served as a vibrant platform for scholars, researchers, and industry leaders to exchange ideas, explore innovative solutions, and chart a progressive course for biotechnology in Africa. The discussions reinforced the need for stronger government-industry-academia collaborations to transform research into viable industrial applications that can drive economic prosperity.

Enugu State, under Governor Peter Mbah's administration, continues to take proactive steps to support scientific research, innovation, and industrial development. Through the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology led by Engr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh PhD, the government is implementing policies aimed at strengthening the research-to-market pipeline, fostering public-private partnerships, and enhancing technological infrastructure.

With events like the FADIB conference providing the platform for engagement and knowledge transfer, Enugu State is steadily positioning itself as a beacon of biotechnology excellence, ensuring that scientific discoveries do not just remain within the laboratories but contribute meaningfully to economic growth, health solutions, and sustainable development across Africa.


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