Biotechnology is developing rapidly with enormous potential to address global concerns, including food security, by diversifying from conventional to modern plant breeding methods to improve human livelihood across sub-Saharan Africa.

In line with this, the IITA–CGIAR Bioscience Center organized a week-long training for graduates in “Hands-on Basic Molecular Biology Techniques.” The training was held at the Institute’s headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria, from 18 to 22 September.
The training, attended by graduates from different fields across Africa, including animal science, microbiology, laboratory science, biochemistry, and biology, engaged the graduates in the practical aspect of molecular biology, which will improve their productivity in research within and outside Africa. Bioscience Laboratory Manager Yemi Fajire coordinated the training.
IITA Senior Research Supervisor Florence Farinola-Udofia extensively discussed real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). She encouraged them to continue applying the knowledge of PCR in their various careers to ensure sustainable agriculture.

They also learned the quantification and concentration of DNA extracted using Agarose gel electrophoresis, sequencing analysis, real-time PCR analysis, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, and bioinformatics. The participants were assessed before and after the training to ascertain the effectiveness of the training.
The training also featured a supplementary session by IITA Research Fellow Olakunle Sansa, a graduate scholarship beneficiary. He gave the participants insights on graduate studies scholarship opportunities for their future academic aspirations.
One of the participants who works at Ondo State Diagnostic Laboratory, Dr Segun Omoleye, said that the training increased his grasp of how to apply the knowledge acquired in disease diagnostics medically. He said, “This will improve my capacity to diagnose, and I will be able to mentor veterinary students and help them along their career paths.”
Contributed by Anita AkinyomadeContributed by
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