Babcock redefines future of biomedicine, food security with genome editing workshop

Babcock University has intensified efforts to advance biomedical research and food security by hosting a three-day gene editing workshop focused on the transformative potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology.

The workshop, organised by the university’s Central Laboratory, aimed to deepen technical capacity in genome science while strengthening collaborative networks among researchers and academics. It spotlighted CRISPR-Cas9, a breakthrough gene-editing tool widely regarded as a game changer in targeted medicine, disease modelling, agriculture and bioenergy.

In his welcome remarks, Chair of the Central Laboratory, Prof. Cyril Nwagburuka, expressed optimism that the laboratory’s expanding research capabilities and the calibre of presentations would significantly enhance participants’ learning and professional delivery.

The Dean of the School of Agriculture and Technology (SAT), Prof. Ayandiran Daniel Aina, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to cutting-edge research and academic excellence, describing genome editing as a critical frontier in modern science.

Chair of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Olusola Ogunwenmo, urged participants to leverage the opportunities presented by CRISPR technology to drive biomedical advancement and innovation.

Also speaking, the Senior Vice President (Academics), Prof. Jonathan Nwosu, represented by Dr. Chinedu Anokwuru, Deputy Director for Research, Innovation and International Collaboration (RIIC), encouraged attendees to maximise the workshop’s knowledge-sharing opportunities for growth and impact.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Franziska Bachler of the University of Basel underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to establish a national legal framework to regulate gene-editing practices. She highlighted the ethical responsibilities that accompany scientific innovation, warning that poorly regulated advancements could create unintended consequences.

The technical sessions were led by Prof. Joseph Bamidele Minari, a molecular biologist from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics at the University of Lagos, alongside his team. Participants received hands-on training and practical demonstrations on CRISPR applications in research and biotechnology.

The workshop concluded with a call for sustained collaboration and a renewed commitment to translating knowledge into impactful research outcomes, marking what organisers described as a significant step toward strengthening genome-editing expertise in Nigeria.