…Boost push for climate-resilient agriculture, donate lab equipment
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
In a major boost to Nigeria’s capacity to tackle climate change and food insecurity, the JR Biotek Foundation, Mastercard Foundation and the University of Cambridge have partnered with Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), to train Nigerian scientists in advanced molecular biotechnology.
The high-impact training, held at MOUAU in Abia State, focused on equipping researchers with cutting-edge skills to develop climate-resilient crops and sustainable agricultural systems.
The hands-on workshop, themed “Building Nigeria’s Capacity for Climate-Resilient Agriculture Through Molecular Biotechnology,” drew participants from across the country, reflecting growing urgency around climate adaptation.
‘We must act now’ — Ibe
Project Lead (UK) and founder of JR Biotek Foundation, Dr Carol Ibe, said the initiative was designed to bridge critical gaps in scientific capacity needed to confront climate change.
“This programme equips Nigerian scientists with modern biotechnology tools essential for addressing food security and climate challenges,” she said.
Dr Ibe, a researcher at the University of Cambridge, warned that climate change is already disrupting rainfall patterns and threatening biodiversity, including indigenous crops with valuable genetic traits.
“We are losing crops with critical resilience traits, yet we are not investing enough in researching them,” she added.
She lamented poor research infrastructure in Nigerian universities, noting that limited access to modern laboratories hampers global competitiveness.
“The challenge is systemic. Without proper labs, both students and researchers are constrained,” she said.
Highlighting the programme’s impact, she disclosed that over 300 scientists from more than 20 African countries have been trained by the foundation, with Nigeria recording the highest participation.
She added that the current workshop received 1,661 applications for just 20 slots — a reflection of the huge demand.
In a significant intervention, Dr Ibe announced that all laboratory equipment brought from the UK would be donated to MOUAU to support ongoing research.
“We are laying a foundation that researchers here can build on,” she said.
VC hails partnership
Declaring the workshop open, MOUAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, described the collaboration as a milestone for the institution.
“This is a major boost to research and scientific advancement in our university,” she said.
She expressed pride that Dr Ibe is an alumna of MOUAU, urging other alumni, particularly those in the diaspora, to emulate her example.
“Giving back to the system that shaped you is critical for national development,” she noted.
Prof Akanwa also raised concerns over the growing impact of climate change on agriculture, health and the environment, calling for stronger collaboration and innovation.
‘Nigeria has talent, needs tools’ — Nwachukwu
On her part, Project Lead (Nigeria), Prof. Olayinka I. Nwachukwu, said the initiative would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s biotechnology and agricultural research capacity.
“Nigerian scientists are highly competent. The real challenge is inadequate equipment and infrastructure,” she said.
She explained that the training covered critical areas such as DNA extraction, sequencing, genomics and bioinformatics — tools essential for developing climate-resilient crops.
According to her, participants were drawn from institutions including Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; University of Maiduguri; Lake Chad Research Institute; and the Federal University, Otuoke.
She added that the programme would create a ripple effect, as trainees are expected to transfer knowledge to others.
“After this training, participants will replicate the skills in their institutions and apply them to real research challenges,” she said.
Big targets for Africa
Dr Ibe further revealed that the JR Biotek Foundation aims to train 10,000 African scientists, support 10 million smallholder farmers, catalyse 1,000 climate-smart food ventures, and add value to at least 30 indigenous crops.
She stressed that sustained investment in research and innovation remains critical to achieving these goals.
The training comes amid growing concerns over the impact of climate change in Nigeria, with experts warning that declining agricultural productivity could worsen food insecurity if urgent measures are not taken.
With the donation of modern laboratory equipment and transfer of critical skills, stakeholders say the collaboration marks a significant step toward building a more resilient agricultural future for Nigeria.
