Yakubu Gowon University hosts 51st inaugural lecture on climate-resilient crop biotechnology

ABUJA, NIGERIA — In a major academic milestone aimed at addressing global environmental challenges, Yakubu Gowon University (formerly the University of Abuja) hosted its 51st Inaugural Lecture on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

The lecture, titled “Plant Breeding for Climate Resilience and Food Security: From Genes to Sustainable Food Systems,” was delivered at the Faculty of Agriculture Lecture Theatre on the university’s main campus along Airport Road, Abuja. The lecture focused on the critical role of genomic plant breeding in strengthening global food systems against the impacts of climate change.

According to a report compiled by Igboka Annabel of the university’s Department of Development and Strategic Communication, the event attracted policymakers, corporate representatives, agricultural scientists, and members of the university community. Among the distinguished guests were Dr. Nasri Mustafa, Mallam Abdullah, Alhaji Wahab Ademula, Alhaji Shitu Rasheed, and Alhaji Mustafa.

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The Evolution of Plant Breeding

Welcoming attendees, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to research excellence. He described the inaugural lecture series as an important intellectual platform for showcasing locally generated knowledge on the global stage.

Delivering the lecture, Professor Bashir Omolaran Bello, Professor of Agronomy (Plant Breeding and Genetics), highlighted the challenges posed by rising global temperatures, environmental degradation, and food insecurity. He explained that building a climate-resilient agricultural system requires the development of crops capable of withstanding, adapting to, and recovering from extreme weather conditions.

Tracing the history of crop improvement, Professor Bello outlined four major eras that have shaped modern agriculture:

• Early Domestication (10,000 BC–1865): Focused on simple selection practices by early farming communities.
• Traditional Breeding (1865–1980): Characterized by Mendelian hybridization techniques.
• Molecular Breeding (1980–2015): Driven by marker-assisted selection and early biotechnology.
• Genomics, Gene Editing, and Digital Breeding (2015–2026): Powered by CRISPR technology, precision genomics, and data-driven predictive modelling.

Professor Bello said modern agricultural advancement depends on moving beyond conventional methods and embracing tissue culture and genomic-assisted innovations. He noted that tissue culture is highly effective in producing uniform, disease-free crops on a large scale and stressed the importance of conserving genetic resources to ensure long-term food security.

Call for Increased Research Funding

The inaugural lecturer also highlighted funding constraints affecting biotechnology research across sub-Saharan Africa. Describing scientific research as a necessity rather than a luxury, he called for increased competitive grants and stronger public-private partnerships to support the development of high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties suited to local conditions.

Beyond his work on maize, Professor Bello reflected on his academic journey and contributions to the improvement of sweet potato, tomato, and sugarcane. He noted that these innovations have helped strengthen rural livelihoods and improve the productivity of smallholder farmers.

“The future of our collective food security lies in continuous innovation and strategic international collaboration in plant breeding. Governments, research institutions, and development partners must build a seamless pipeline to ensure that local farmers have direct, affordable access to these improved, climate-resilient seeds,” Professor Bello said.

The lecture concluded with the Vice-Chancellor presenting Professor Bello with a commemorative plaque and certificate in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of Agronomy.

For a broader perspective on the ongoing transformation of the institution, viewers can watch the University Leadership and Renaming Report, which highlights the presidential directives and reforms that guided the university’s transition to its new identity.