Don urges investment in microbial biotechnology for food security

Professor of Food Microbiology at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State, Afolake Olanbiwoninu, on Tuesday, called for greater investment in microbiology and biotechnology.

Olanbiwoninu, who made the call while delivering the 32nd inaugural lecture of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, titled “Invisible Giants: The Microbial Forces Securing Food, Protecting Health and Sustaining Life on Earth,” described the fields as critical tools for addressing Nigeria’s food security, public health, agricultural and environmental challenges.

The event was held on the institution’s premises in Oyo town.

She noted that although microorganisms are invisible to the naked eye and are often associated with diseases, the majority play beneficial roles in sustaining ecosystems, recycling nutrients, enriching soils, preserving food, improving nutrition and protecting human health.

The varsity don further described microbiology as “capable of providing practical responses to some of the most pressing challenges confronting humanity.

“Research into food safety, microbial biofortification and probiotic microorganisms has demonstrated the capacity of microbiology to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions capable of improving lives.

“Microbial biofortification can transform traditional African fermented foods into affordable and culturally acceptable sources of improved nutrition, while indigenous probiotic microorganisms can contribute to better health and well-being.

“Scientific research should not end with academic publications but must translate into tangible benefits for society, influence public policy, strengthen food systems, stimulate innovation and contribute to national development,” she explained.

Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s challenges in food security, public health and economic diversification, the inaugural lecturer identified the country’s indigenous microbial resources as valuable but largely underutilised scientific assets.

She, therefore, called for “sustained investment, visionary leadership and stronger partnerships among universities, research institutions, government agencies, industry and international organisations to unlock the potential of microbial biotechnology.”

Olanbiwoninu expressed confidence that Nigeria possesses the intellectual capacity to become a continental leader in microbial biotechnology if the country creates an enabling environment for scientific research, innovation and human-capacity development.

She consequently presented a 10-point recommendation aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food, health and biotechnology sectors.

The recommendations included, “The promotion and commercialisation of indigenous fermented foods through research into starter cultures, product standardisation, quality assurance, export development and protection of indigenous knowledge.”

She also called for “stronger national food safety systems through improved coordination among relevant government agencies, investment in surveillance and laboratory infrastructure, food traceability and rapid response to outbreaks.

“I, therefore, urge the government to increase funding for microbiology and biotechnology research, particularly research addressing Nigeria’s food, health, agricultural and environmental priorities,” she said.

The don also advocated the use of microbial biofortification to complement conventional food fortification programmes, adding that locally produced, vitamin-enriched fermented foods could provide affordable and culturally appropriate interventions against micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable populations.

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Olanbiwoninu further called for stronger surveillance of antimicrobial resistance through a One Health approach integrating human health, animal health, food production and environmental systems.

The academic also advocated expanded postgraduate training, research fellowships, specialised laboratory programmes and international scientific exchanges to develop the next generation of microbiologists, food scientists and biotechnologists.

“Let me also urge universities, research institutes and industries to strengthen collaboration to ensure that research findings are translated into commercially viable technologies capable of improving food safety, nutrition and public health,” she said.

According to her, sustained public education on safe food handling, hygiene, temperature control, prevention of cross-contamination and responsible antimicrobial use remained essential to reducing foodborne diseases.

“The Federal Government should recognise microbiology and biotechnology as strategic disciplines for achieving Nigeria’s long-term objectives in food security, public health, industrial development, environmental sustainability, climate resilience and the emerging bioeconomy,” she urged.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Ebunoluwa Oduwole, described “Olanbiwoninu as a product of discipline, scholarship and purposeful academic development.”

Oduwole highlighted the inaugural lecturer’s academic journey through science laboratory technology, microbiology and food and industrial microbiology, culminating in her attainment of the rank of Professor in 2025.

The VC noted her progression through various academic ranks at the university and her appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, in February 2026.

“Olanbiwoninu’s contributions to the university extend beyond teaching and research to institutional development.

“She has served as pioneer Director of Research, Innovation and Linkages, Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Acting Head of the Department of Biological Sciences and pioneer Editor-in-Chief of the Ajayi Crowther University Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, among other responsibilities,” he said.

Oduwole further noted that she had supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students, mentored emerging scientists and served as an external examiner for academic programmes in several institutions.

“Her research career had attracted competitive grants, fellowships and international scientific opportunities, reflecting growing recognition of her contributions to microbiology and biotechnology,” the VC stressed.

The lecture examined the often-overlooked role of microorganisms in sustaining life, improving food production and nutrition, protecting public health and supporting environmental sustainability.

It also attracted academics, members of the university community, family members, guests and well-wishers from within and outside the institution.

Dignitaries at the event were the husband of the inaugural lecturer, Pastor Gboyega Olanbiwoninu; Dean of Postgraduate School; Prof Paul Akanbi; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof Olukayode Binuyo; the Bursar, Dr Ayodele Olusanwo; and the Registrar, Dr Bode Olofinmuagun, among others.