Center Overview
A global Centre of excellence that can contribute to quality knowledge, knowledge sharing and transfer through sound research, scholarship and creativity. Enhancing intellectual training that merges theory and practice, promoting responsible and sustainable service, exploitation…
ABOUT US
BIODEC Port Harcort
Following the outbreak of Corona Virus Disease in 2019 (COVID-19), the Centre was upgraded and equipped by AMNI International Petroleum Development Company Limited between May and September, 2020 with facilities to carry out molecular-based test for COVID-19.
Our Biotechnology Research and Development (R&D) division is dedicated to advancing innovative solutions that address critical challenges in health, agriculture, industry, and the environment. We combine cutting-edge science with practical applications to improve lives, drive sustainable development, and strengthen national capacity in biotechnology.
Our Vision
A world class Centre committed to quality academic research, knowledge sharing and transfer for the development and sustainable management of biodiversity using high-end technology.
Our Mission
A global Centre of excellence that can contribute to quality knowledge, knowledge sharing and transfer through sound research, scholarship and creativity. Enhancing intellectual training that merges theory and practice, promoting responsible and sustainable service, exploitation, development, conservation and management of natural resources for the greater good of humanity.
Our Approach
We employ a multidisciplinary approach that integrates molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, and computational sciences. Our laboratories are equipped with modern facilities for experimental research, pilot production, and field testing.
Prof. Julian Onyewuonyeoma Osuji
DG/CEO NBRDA
About Me
CENTRE CO-ORDINATORS’S BIO-DATA
Julian Onyewuonyeoma Osuji PhD, PHF, KSJI, FIEO, FRAES, mnes, mgsn, mbotson, mbsn, mnspp, a Molecular Geneticist and Cytotaxonomist, pure-breed University of Port Harcourt Alumnus and a UNESCO Post-doctoral fellow at the John Innes Centre, Norwich. In the University of Port Harcourt, he was: Head of Department, Plant Science and Biotechnology (2010 to 2012); Director of Affiliations and Chairman of University-Wide Accreditations Committee (2016 to 2017); but presently, he is Director, Regional Centre for Biotechnology and Bioresources Research & Director, NBRDA South-South Zonal Centre of Excellence. He is Principal Investigator & Team Leader, Interdisciplinary Biodiversity Network (IB4 BioNet). He has served in the National Executive Committees of Genetics Society of Nigeria (GSN), Botanical Society of Nigeria (BOSON) and the Nigeria Society for Plant Protection (NSPP) and a member of several other National Professional Societies. As well as International Society of Plant Morphologist and International Society for Horticultural Science. He was Pioneer Dean of School of Science and Computing, Claretian University of Nigeria, Maryland, Nekede, Imo State and Pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State. Prof Julian Osuji was also an adjunct Professor of Molecular Cytogenetics at the University of Calabar. At present, he is a Co-Chair of African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP), the Regional Coordinator for West Africa, and Chair, Genomics for the conservation of endangered and endemic species Grand Challenge, DAISEA AfricaBP. Prof Osuji is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, a Fellow of Renewable and Alternative Energy Society and holds Fellowships of few other professional bodies.
RESEARCH PROJECT
The Centre is the host to the Nigerian node for AfricaBP project (https://africanbiogenome.org/). The Centre is currently involved in the collection of plant and animal samples for sequencing with partner institutions under the project. It also has the hosting rights of the West African Biogenome Open Institute workshop (https://west.africanbiogenome.org/) in 2024.
CENTRE RESEARCH ACTIVITIES/ SERVICE PROGRAMS
Our Services
Staff of the Centre is involved in both undergraduate and post-graduate teaching and research in various areas of biotechnology and bioresources.
Undegraduate and postgraduate research in molecular characterization of micro- organisms and plant species: In-vitro culture of plants.
Training and workshop on genomics (such as DNA and RNA extraction, amplification, quality check and standardization), various Molecular Biology Techniques, Bioinformatics, Bar-coding, Tissue Culture, Instrumentation, Laboratory Safety Procedures etc.
Management of botanical garden and conservation of biodiversity (bio-banking, herbarium and curating services). natural resources for the greater good of humanity and • Production and sale of distilled and double-distilled water for research work.
PROSPECTS OF THE CENTER
Experience
Training of high and low-level manpower in various aspects of Biotechnology and Bioresources through teaching, organizational training, workshops, seminars etc. Certification on completion of course/training and workshop by the Centre.
Technical Abilities
To enhance the technical abilities of the staff through training and acquire high-level educational qualifications such as M.Sc. and Ph.D.
Research
To carry out research in the area of environmental biotechnology, in order to minimize the environmental problems in the Niger-Delta region such as pollution, greenhouse effect etc
Monitoring
To monitor, coordinate and control the activities of all the biotechnological research Centres/Institutes in the South-South zone of Nigeria.
Collate and Store
To collate and store research data from biotechnology Centres/Institutes in the South-South and also create a biotechnology research data base in the zone.
World Class
Develop and create a world class nature park/ global Centre and resort at the University of Port Harcourt that will conduct and co-ordinate research, training in the areas of environmental conservation of our Bioresources to provide sustainable livelihood.
Establish
Establish standard bioresources outfits like Botanic Zoological Gardens, Plant Herbaria, Mycological/ Microbial Culture Type collection laboratories, Plant Disease Diagnostic/advisory and control Centres.
Generate Revenue
To internally generate revenue through consultancy and widen the revenue base of the university while striving for self-sustainability.