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SPOTLIGHT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF NABDA ACT 2022 TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

 

The Director General/CEO of NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha has urged farmers to use modern biotechnology to tackle challenges of low soil fertility, changing climate conditions and high pressure of insects, pests and diseases towards ensuring food security.

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USDA FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE COUNSELLOR PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO NABDA

DG/CEO NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha and his management team received the Counsellor, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Lagos, Dr. Chris Bielecki and his team to NABDA on Tuesday, 19th September, 2023.

NBTI SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH NABDA TO COMMERCIALISE RESEARCH FINDINGS AND HARNESS INDIGENOUS TALENTS
The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) is seeking partnership with NABDA to commercialise research and development findings and harness indigenous talents.
The Director General/CEO, National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Dr. (Mrs.) Patricia Chukwu, disclosed this during a courtesy visit with her team to NABDA on Monday, 18th September, 2023.
Dr. Chukwu noted that NABDA has been at the forefront of biotechnological research and development, making significant strides in agriculture, healthcare and environmental sustainability. She commended NABDA’s innovative work in harnessing the potential of biotechnology to address some of the country’s most pressing challenges and expressed NBTI’s commitment to facilitate the commercialisation process for NABDA’s research and development outputs.
Dr. Patricia Chukwu believes that the synergy between the two organisations can create an environment where NABDA’s research findings can seamlessly transition into commercially viable products and services. This collaboration will not only promote economic growth but also strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global knowledge economy.
The Director General/CEO of NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, welcomed the NBTI team and expressed NABDA’s willingness to partner with the agency in advancing science, innovation, and technology in Nigeria.
He highlighted NABDA’s research innovations, including the development of Covid-19 test kits, and ongoing research activities aimed at improving the livelihood of Nigerians and solving socioeconomic challenges.
NABDA is committed to promoting innovation and advancing biotechnology in Nigeria. The agency plans to collaborate with NBTI in commercialising research findings and providing a platform for young researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to thrive and contribute to the nation’s growth.
Plans are underway by NABDA and NBTI for the signing of an MOU and MOA to solidify their partnership.
THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, NABDA, CONGRATULATE OUR DIRECTOR GENERAL/CEO, PROF. ABDULLAHI MUSTAPHA, FOR HIS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN BEING CONFERRED WITH THE NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY ORDER OF  MERIT (NPOM) AWARD.

This prestigious award is in recognition of his dedication, productivity and meritorious service to the nation.
His leadership has been instrumental in driving NABDA forward, and his commitment to excellence inspires us.
As we celebrate this well-deserved honour, we offer our sincere prayers for his continued success in his future endeavours.
NABDA STRENGTHENS COLLABORATION WITH AATF, ARCN TO TACKLE FOOD INSECURITY AND ADVANCE BIOTECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA

In a significant step towards tackling food insecurity and solving different socioeconomic challenges impeding sustainable development, the Director General/CEO of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, recently led a delegation on courtesy visits to the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN).
The NABDA delegation was received by the Regional Director, AATF, Dr. Jean Baptiste and his team, and by the Executive Secretary, ARCN, Prof. Garuba Sharubutu and his management staff in their respective offices.
The visits paved way for enhanced collaboration towards harnessing the potential of biotechnology to address food insecurity and drive agricultural growth in Nigeria.
During the fruitful discussions, both AATF and ARCN expressed their commitment to work closely with NABDA to use biotechnology to improve crop varieties and promote food security in the country.
DG NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, expressed his gratitude to AATF and ARCN for their warm reception and willingness to collaborate on various biotechnology initiatives towards tackling food insecurity and improving the agricultural sector in Nigeria.
He further emphasised the significance of collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive innovation and achieve the desired impact in the agricultural sector.
It is clear that Biotechnology will play a critical role in tackling food insecurity and the challenges of sustainable development in Nigeria. With the collaboration of these leading organisations, NABDA, AATF and ARCN, Nigeria is well-positioned to become a major player in biotechnology, helping to feed its growing population and sustainably addressing the many challenges facing agriculture in the country.
NABDA’s DIRECTOR GENERAL/CEO, PROF. ABDULLAHI MUSTAPHA, REPRESENTING NIGERIA AT THE 29th SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE  FOR GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY, (ICGEB) BOARD OF  GOVERNORS MEETINGS  IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA.

Nigeria has been a Member State of the ICGEB since 13th March, 1991, and Prof. Mustapha is the ICGEB appointed Governor and Liaison Officer for Nigeria.

The meeting, among many other things provided a platform for strengthening linkages and fostering collaborations for sustainable global development.
ICGEB is an intergovernmental organisation which runs 46 state-of-the-earth laboratories and forms an interactive network with over 65 Member States. It provides opportunities for Member States to strengthen capacity in molecular biology and various areas through annual pre and post doctoral fellowships, technology transfer, scientific visits, access to state-of-the-earth facilities and a worldwide network of biotechnology experts.
Several Nigerians have benefited from ICGEB grants, fellowships and courses over the years.
NABDA SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH NNPC, RAHAD ON BIOTECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT IN THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY

Speaking at the signing ceremony on Thursday, 13th April, 2023 in Abuja, the Director General/CEO NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said the agreement focuses on the utilisation of Biotechnology tools in oil tank farm cleaning, crude oil, paraffin recovery and remediation of oil contaminated soils.
“Through biotechnology application, the soil will be rejuvenated where exploration has taken place and paraffin would be recovered, instead of destroying the environment where chemical was used”, he said.
The DG added that the partnership will no doubt solve perennial problems in Nigeria’s upstream and downstream petroleum industry as well as enhance national economic growth.
While assuring the partners of NABDA’s commitment to the project, Mustapha urged all parties involved to bring their best to the realisation of the objectives of the collaboration.
In her remarks, the Managing Director, NNPC Energy Services Limited, Ms. Sophia Mbakwe said the tripartite agreement is designed to achieve the domestication, deployment and commercialisation of biotechnology tools in oil tank farm cleaning, Crude Oil and Paraffin recovery and remediation of Oil Contaminated Soils, among other key objectives.
She affirmed NNPC Energy Services Limited’s commitment to the tripartite agreement.
“As a strategic partner, NNPC Energy Services is committed to this collaboration which will provide comparative commercial advantages and minimize our environmental footprint as a positive climate action”, she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Rahad Global Investment Ltd, Dr. Chbihi Driss,
in his remarks expressed delight over NABDA’s excellent capacity and mandate on biotechnology, which gave their solutions a real chance.
Driss said this project would enable Nigeria to be the first country to reduce by nearly 90 per cent, the oil discharges which pollute soil and ground water.
“Through the gradual domestication of this technology as stated in the agreement, jobs will be created and significant revenue generated in Nigeria
through bioremediation, which is an integral part of the solution in this project”, Driss added.
The ceremony had in attendance management staff of NABDA, Rahad Global Investment Ltd and NNPC Energy Services Limited.
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NABDA STRENGTHENS COLLABORATION WITH JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION (JICA) ON CAPACITY BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

During the working visit, status of existing collaboration was assessed, while further discussions focused on expanding collaboration in Agricultural, Industrial, Environmental and Medical biotechnology as well as capacity building for NABDA staff.
In his remarks, DG/CEO, NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, thanked the JICA team for the existing collaboration and training programmes three NABDA staff have benefited from in Japan.
He noted that one of the key objectives of the visit was to build on existing relationship and explore emerging opportunities for staff capacity building and national development.
Speaking further, Prof. Mustapha intimated the team on NABDA’s research breakthroughs and ongoing research activities.
Thereafter, he presented requests on capacity building and equipment support in areas of agricultural biotechnology, industrial, environmental and medical biotechnology.
Responding, Chief Representative, JICA Nigeria office, Yuzurio Susumu, welcomed the NABDA delegation and said the areas proposed by NABDA for collaboration were within JICA’s development assistance scheme and assured the visiting team of JICA’s willingness to assist.
He added that NABDA will be given special consideration in their training programmes as well as Masters and PhD programmes.
While elaborating on different limitless opportunities NABDA could explore, Susumu noted that JICA encourages collaboration with universities, research institute of Japan and NABDA.
He therefore asked the NABDA team to develop a concept note, highlighting specific areas for fostering future synergies.
JICA’s Project Formulation Advisor on Agriculture/Nutrition North East Issues, Hokamura Akira and Senior Programme Officer, Dr. Umar Halilu also contributed to the discourse and assured NABDA of JICA’s support where needed.
JICA uses an array of development assistance schemes to meet the diverse needs of developing countries around the world.
In the NABDA Delegation were the Director, Food and Industrial Biotechnology Department, Dr. Lawan Suleiman, Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Dr. Rose Gidado, Centre Director, Aquatic Bioresource Training Centre, Tunari, Taraba state, Dr. Patrick Aderinola, Technical Assistant to the DG/CEO, Dr. Aminu Abubakar and staff of the Communication and Protocol unit.
The Directors responded to questions asked by the JICA team on programmes and ongoing projects in their respective departments.
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NABDA STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH ICGEB FOR IMPROVED ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE MEDICINES AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

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NABDA PRESENTS ACT TO THE HONORABLE MINISTER OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has said that biotechnology is the driver for the socio-economic development of the nation.

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NABDA INTENSIFIES CAMPAIGN FOR RAPID INDUSTRIALISATION VIA BIOTECHNOLOGY ADOPTION

The National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has intensified its campaign for the rapid industrialisation of Nigeria by exploring and harnessing the potentials of biotechnology for national development.

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NABDA DG TASKS STAFF ON SELF-DEVELOPMENT FOR WORKPLACE EFFICIENCY

The DG/CEO NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, has tasked staff of the agency on self-development for enhanced productivity and workplace efficiency.
He gave this task during the Staff Town Hall meeting held in the agency on Thursday, 1st December, 2022.
Underscoring the importance of self-development, Prof. Mustapha said it is imperative for their personal and career growth and therefore, should not  be ignored.
Speaking on staff welfare, he said, “Your welfare is my priority and I will not renege on my commitment  as I take NABDA to enviable heights.
“The agency is being reformed to a place where staff are properly taken care of to achieve better and greater returns, he said.”
The NABDA helmsman reminded staff of their significance in the progress of the agency and enjoined them to reposition themselves for visibility and relevance.
“All hands must be on deck to achieve the agency’s mandates. The management cannot do this alone.  Everyone has a significant role to play.
“Therefore, I implore you to take your place, have a sense of belonging in what is happening in the agency and seek to constantly add value in your respective departments and units.
It is one who adds value that gains visibility and relevance.”
On the restructuring process going on in the agency, the DG stated that it  will promote  seamless career progression, workplace productivity, and generate vacancies.
While unveiling some of his strategic innovative plans for 2023, he disclosed that NABDA staff will be trained within and outside the country from the deployment of different technologies in the country through ongoing partnerships with local and international organisations.
Mustapha thanked staff  for their continuous support and reiterated his commitment to make things better for all.
NABDA staff applauded the DG for his visionary leadership which focuses on human and national development.
The town hall meeting created a viable platform for employee engagement and fruitful discussions.

They were received by the DG/CEO NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha and management staff of NABDA.
On the entourage were the DG, Agronomical Research Institute of Mozambique, Dr. Olga Fafetine,
DG, Intel Institutional Biosafety Group, Dr Rhoda Luiz, Chairman, National Variety Release Committee, Ethiopia, Prof. Firew Mekbib, Head, Regulatory & Policy Affairs, Dr Francis Nangayo, Manager Stewardship, AATF, Dr Francis Oyenkachi, Manager, Pod Borer Resistant Cowpea Project, Dr Jean Baptiste, Representative, Executive Director,IAR & P.I Tela Maize Project, Prof Rabiu Adamu and NABDA management staff.
NABDA TRAINS STAFF ON MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES: qPCR INSTALLATION AND APPLICATION

As part of the continuous efforts of the DG/CEO, NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha to build staff capacity, staff of the agency were recently trained on “Molecular Biotechnology Techniques: qPCR Installation and Application.”
The training workshop, which was in collaboration with the University of Calabar, was part of capacity building efforts on the tomato genetic improvement project in the Agricultural Biotechnology Department of the Agency. Preliminary studies are ongoing to identify candidate cultivars for improvement.
In his remarks, the Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Dr Nasir Ibrahim, thanked the visiting scientist, Dr. Valentine Ntui,and appreciated
 University of Calabar for their commitment to the project.
The PI of the project, Dr. Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo, and Dr. Valentine Ntui from University of Calabar/visiting scientist at IITA Kenya facilitated the training.
Dr. Ntui commended NABDA for driving the first wholly indigenous gene editing research.
NABDA TO COLLABORATE WITH THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE ON BIO-VACCINE AND OTHER MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT RESEARCHES

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is seeking collaboration with NABDA on Bio-Vaccine and other development researches covering anti malaria drugs, transgenic mosquitoes and diabetes.
The Programme Manager, Sector and Enterprise Competitiveness Division of Enterprises and Institutions, Charles Lor, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to NABDA with ITC’s Senior Officer, Trade Strategy and Competitiveness, Darius Kurek.
They were received by the DG/CEO NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, who assured them of the agency’s willingness to collaborate with them in the development of Bio-Vaccines, anti malaria drugs, and transgenic mosquitoes to help prevent disease outbreaks in Nigeria.
NABDA establishes and maintains collaboration with both local and international organisations for sustainable growth and development of biotechnology in the country.
ITC is a joint agency of the World Trade Organization and United Nations based in Geneva, Switzerland.
DG/CEO NABDA, PROF. ABDULLAHI MUSTAPHA ON TVC BUSINESS NIGERIA. HE SPOKE ON BIOTECHNOLOGY AND ITS IMPACT ON FOOD SECURITY, AMONG MANY OTHER THINGS.

DG NABDA CONGRATULATES NEW DG FIIRO

The Director General/CEO National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha has congratulated Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa over her recent appointment as Director General/CEO of Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO).

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SENATE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION’S OVERSIGHT VISIT TO NABDA

The Senate Committee Chairman on Science, Technology and Innovation, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has assured NABDA of the committee’s support and collaboration to enhance the agency’s budgetary allocation and ensure an improvement in its funds releases, considering the critical role it plays in engendering economic growth for the nation.

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SPOTLIGHT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF NABDA ACT 2022 TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Director General/CEO of NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha has urged farmers to use modern biotechnology to tackle challenges of low soil fertility, changing climate conditions and high pressure of insects, pests and diseases towards ensuring food security.

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PRESIDENT BUHARI SIGNS NABDA BILL INTO LAW ALONG FIVE OTHERS

President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the National Biotechnology Development Agency NABDA Act, 2022 along five others.

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GHANA COMMENDS NIGERIA’S SUCCESS STORY IN AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

The Director General, National Biotechnology Development Agency NABDA, Prof. AbdullahiMustapha received a high leveled delegation of biotechnology and biosafety team members on a fact finding tour from Ghana to Nigeria on Monday.

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DG/CEO NABDA, PROF. ABDULLAHI MUSTAPHA AT THE INAUGURATION OF INTER-MINISTERIAL STEERING COMMITTEE AND TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP ON LOCAL VACCINE MANUFACTURING.

As part of efforts to build capacity for sustainable local vaccine manufacturing, the Nigerian Government increased its advocacy and request to international partners and donor agencies to support the country.

In view of this, the World Health Organisation (WHO) listed Nigeria among the six countries to be supported with the mRA technology transfer for vaccine development and manufacturing. However, Nigeria must provide an enabling environment for the technical knowledge transfer.

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COURTESY VISIT BY THE NATIONAL COTTON ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (NACOTAN) TO THE DG/CEO NABDA, PROF ABDULLAHI MUSTAPHA

The National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN), led by its President, Mr Anibe Achimugu, visited the DG/CEO National Biotechnology Development Agency, NABDA Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha in his office on Tuesday, 12th April, 2022.

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BIOTECHNOLOGY, AN INNOVATIVE TOOL FOR NATIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Director General/CEO, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, has described Biotechnology as an Innovative Tool for National Economic Growth.

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NABDA HOLDS BIOETHICS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME

The DG/CEO NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha recently declared open a Bioethics Educational Programme organised by the Bioethics Unit, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA).

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NABDA GOVERNING BOARD TOURS FACILITIES

The Director General/CEO, NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha led the agency’s Governing board on a facility tour on Monday, 28th March, 2022.

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GHANA COMMENDS NIGERIA’S SUCCESS STORY IN AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY


The Director General, National Biotechnology Development Agency NABDA, Prof. AbdullahiMustapha received a high leveled delegation of biotechnology and biosafety team members on a fact finding tour from Ghana to Nigeria on Monday.

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THE GOVERNOR OF KANO STATE VISITS NABDA

The Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, OFR, and the Permanent.Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology who doubles as the Chairman of NABDA’s Governing Board, Mr. Sunday Edet Akpan, were received by the DG/CEO, NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha and his management team to the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) today, Thursday 28th. January, 2021

NABDA GETS NEW GOVERNING BOARD

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The Honourable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, today, 14th October, 2021 inaugurated 12 Governing Boards and Council of Agencies and Institutes under the supervision of the Ministry.

 

Dr. Onu tasked the Chairmen and members of the Governing Boards and Council to render selfless service for the good of all Nigerians. He also urged them to familiarise themselves with the relevant instruments governing the operation and supervision of their respective Agencies and Institutes.

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News Headlines

Nigeria Close To Leading Africa In Safe Biotechnology-NABDA D-G NIGERIA

Nabda set to commercialize locally produced Biodigester for power generation

Food Security: FG, Morocco Firm Sign Biotechnology Agreement

NABDA D-G Honoured For Excellence In Biotech Innovation, Patriotism

Advanced tech. tools critical to boosting crop production–NABDA D-G – Newsdiaryonline”

Stakeholders ask Senate to jettison proposed amendment of NBMA Act

Agency inaugurates committee on restructuring, vacancy creation

Deploy indigenous innovations to boost food security

Our conventional farming method cannot guarantee food security — DG NABDA

Nabda Ofab providing solutions to major challenges confronting cowpea farming through technology.

Adoption of Biotechnology Key to Nigeria’s Food Security – Mustapha

Agric Biotechnology: Ghana Learning From Nigeria’s Success Story

Experts explain how biotech can help farmers escape poverty

We must make biotechnology engine room of Agric development NABDA boss

With BT Cowpea, Nigeria can eradicate hunger, malnutrition – NABDA DG

GMO, a panacea not to sleep on empty stomach, says NABDA DG

As Nigeria Begins Consumption Of First Genetically Modified Cowpea

Eating is believing: The journey of GM beans from laboratory to kitchen

Ghana Applauds Nigeria’s Biotechnology Breakthrough in biotechnology.

NABDA Boss lauds PMB NASS over Agency’s Establishment Act

Local drug manufacturing will boost Nigeria’s currency – DG

NABDA Act’ll Catalyse Resurgence Of Nigeria’s Textile Industry, Health Sector, Others

ICGEB Meetings and Courses 2022 : Call for Proposals

ICGEB provides support for the organisation of scientific events in the Life Sciences in ICGEB Member States. Funding is available for Meetings, to be held in the three ICGEB Components (Trieste, Italy; NewDelhi, India, Cape Town, South Africa); Workshops, co-sponsored by local organising institutes; Courses, providing theoretical and/or practical training. The “Future of Science” programme supports scientific events on currently hot scientific topics, with open communication to media and public; Seeds for Science, supports small meetings aimed at building networks for future research collaborations; Sponsorship is also provided to scientific events relevant to the ICGEB mandate in the ICGEB Member States.

Closing date for applications: 28 February 2021

Scientific institutions located in ICGEB Member States are encouraged to apply.

for more info: https://www.icgeb.org/activities/meeting-and-courses/

”ICGEB Course on “Basic laboratory training on GMO analysis”

ICGEB Course on “Basic laboratory training on GMO analysis” 15 — 21 September, Abuja, Nigeria
Organizer: Shakirat 0. Ajenifujah-Solebo (Agricultural Biotechnology Department, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria)
Request for information directly to: nabdatraining@gmail.com.
Deadline for the receipt of applications by local organizers: 30 May 2019 Call for applications will open on 1 March 2019.
ICGEB —NABDA training link: https://www.icgeb.org/courses/course-basic-laboratory-training-on-gmo-analysis/