The Academic Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has pledged full support for the upcoming Plant Breeders Association of Nigeria (PBAN) Conference, an initiative aimed at advancing the nation’s food sustainability agenda under President Bola Ahmad Tinubu.
The commitment was made by the Executive Secretary of ARCN during a meeting with a delegation from PBAN at the council’s headquarters on Monday. He emphasized the crucial role of plant breeding in agricultural research and called for its integration into the curricula of agricultural colleges, polytechnics, and institutes nationwide.
“Teaching plant breeding at the tertiary level will ensure the discipline survives and will produce professionals capable of driving the President’s food agenda,” the Executive Secretary said. He also stressed the importance of training young people in the sector to make plant breeding an attractive and viable career path.
Speaking on the urgency of the initiative, Dr. Oluwafemi Salako, Director of Plant Resources at ARCN, highlighted the need for swift action to prevent the decline of the discipline. “The council welcomes this move and is ready to provide full support,” he noted.
Dr. Nuhu Yusuf, Director of Knowledge Management and Communications, underscored the importance of knowledge sharing during the conference and encouraged breeders to contribute to the council’s journal review to ensure proper dissemination of research findings.
Deputy Director of Plant Resources, Hajara Buba, described plant breeders as vital to national food security and called for measures to address challenges including capacity building and professional training.
The PBAN delegation expressed optimism that a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ARCN would fast-track training for students and staff across institutions under the council. “We are willing to collaborate fully with ARCN,” said the delegation leader.
The National Public Relations Officer of PBAN, of his part expressed appreciation to the ARCN Executive Secretary for the council’s support. He highlighted the association’s proposal to establish a dedicated plant breeding institution in Nigeria and reaffirmed PBAN’s willingness to collaborate fully. “If teaching plant breeding in all institutes of agriculture comes to fruition, the association will be supportive,” she said.
With the council’s approval to host the conference, PBAN is set to provide a platform for training, collaboration, and the promotion of plant breeding as a critical discipline in achieving Nigeria’s food security goals.
