The Director of Biotechnology, Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, Prof. Charles Adetunji says biotechnology innovations can help in alleviating poverty and creating impact in the community.
Adetunji disclosed this in a telephone interview on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that adoption of biotechnology innovations would also provide tools for easy livelihood.
Responding to questions on the recently concluded 3rd Recent Advances in Biotechnology Conference and Workshop held at the University, he disclosed that Nigeria should leverage on readily available technologies.
He recalled that in his lecture at the workshop, titled: “Recent Advances”, he spoke on ways to make and moneytise biotechnology into wealth creation.
“We need to think of something to develop, there must be a product that can generate wealth.
“The economy of Nigeria is not sustainable, we are not having science breakthrough because we do not leverage on the technology that we have.
“When industry and technology come together, there will be a breakthrough,” he said.
According to him, self development goal is key to achieving success in life.
Adetunji advised that transitional research should be capitalised upon for a new technology, adding that a life of impact must solve problems.
“If it’s one problem it can solve, we should capitalize on it,” he said
Adetunji appealed to the Federal Government to support the educational systems and develop the technology system in a significant and transformational way to be able feed the growing population.
He called for problem solvers in various communities to showcase their expertise, adding that through this medium the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria would grow.
Adetunji recalled that Prof. Julius Oloke, pioneer Vice Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University, in his remark, emphasised the importance of the conference as a tool of technology breakthrough.
He also said that special outstanding awards were given to deserving people.
“One of the keynote speakers, Prof Thomas Webster, said he would launch his foundation this year as he is currently seeking support from collaborators and partners for this great initiative.
“The fund would be used to support Nigerians, most especially established scientists and upcoming students, to conduct research in the area of biomaterials, applied sciences among others,” Adetunji said.
