… as NIFST holds 12th regional summit in Osun

By Shina Abubakar Osogbo

The former Vice Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Professor Michael Ologunde has disclosed that Food Science Technologists are a strong pillar towards ensuring food insecurity and safety globally.

Speaking at the 12th Regional Food Science and Technology Summit held at Osun State University campus, Osogbo, on Tuesday, the don stated that the future of every nation is strongly connected to its ability to feed its population sustainably.

Professor Ologunde, who chaired the conference’s opening ceremony, emphasised the importance of collaboration between the academia and industries with a view to transforming innovative research into opportunities for citizens.

“The future of every nation is strongly connected to its ability to feed its population sustainably, create economic opportunities through innovation, and harness scientific discoveries for industrial and societal advancement.

“Food science and technology remain critical pillars in addressing food insecurity, malnutrition, unemployment, post-harvest losses, and economic instability. As professionals and stakeholders in this field, we must continue to bridge the gap between research findings and real-life applications.

“Nigeria is richly blessed with abundant agricultural resources, vibrant youths, and talented researchers. However, one of our greatest challenges has been the inability to sufficiently commercialize research outputs and convert innovations into viable enterprises that can create jobs, improve livelihoods, and strengthen national development”.

The Chairperson of NIFST, Southwest, Professor Bolanle Akinwande explained that the 12th summit hallmarks paradigm shift of food industries and Nigeria, noting that “for decades, brilliant solutions have been developed within the walls of our laboratories. However, a resilient food system demands that we bridge the gap between academia and the marketplace.

She added that “At this summit, our sub-themes which range from technology transfer and circular economy approaches to regulatory compliance will challenge us to turn impactful research into thriving commercial enterprises that can secure the future of Nigeria.

The don cautioned against unsafe food, stressing that NIFST Western Chapter will use the 12th ReFoSTS as regional platform to champion food safety to ensure they are market safe, nutritious and compliant with global benchmarks.

Earlier in his remark, UNIOSUN’s Vice Chancellor Professor Clement Adebooye, described food scientists as critical to achieving the sustainable development goals, saying their impact on food security, public health, economic growth, environmental sustainability and poverty reduction is unquantified.

“For a country such as Nigeria, with vast agricultural potential and a rapidly growing population, the need to transform food research outcomes into commercially viable solutions cannot be overemphasised. We must strengthen the bridge between academia and industry. We must encourage young researchers and innovators to see research not merely as an academic obligation but as an opportunity to create enterprises, generate employment and solve societal problems”, he added.