The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has strengthened its commitment to responsible research, environmental safety and community engagement through a collaboration with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
To this end, the university has hosted a 3-day Train the Trainer Workshop themed: “Capacity Building on Biosafety, Biosecurity and Biorisk Management, Pollution Waste Management and Community Engagement.”
The training held at the Conference Centre of the university at its headquarters in Abuja, brought together an array of stakeholders to enhance knowledge and strengthen capacity in managing biological risks and environmental safety.
The workshop was hosted by the NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, on behalf of the university management to reinforce NOUN’s commitment to advancing research integrity, biosafety compliance and sustainable environmental practices within Nigeria’s higher education system.
Delivering the workshop's objectives and expectations, Chairman of the Joint Technical Working Group for the NOUN-NBMA collaboration, Prof. Andrew Agbon, described the training as a critical step toward equipping participants with the knowledge and practical competencies required to manage biological risks responsibly.
Agbon explained that the workshop was designed as a train the trainer programme, meaning participants would not only acquire knowledge but would also be empowered to replicate the training within their institutions and professional networks.
According to him, the programme focused on building expertise in key areas including biosafety protocols, biosecurity systems, biorisk management, environmental pollution control, waste management practices and effective community engagement strategies.
He emphasised that these areas are increasingly important in modern scientific research and biotechnology development, noting that institutions must adopt global best practices to ensure that biological materials, research results and laboratory activities do not pose risks to public health or the environment.
Agbon further stressed that the collaboration between NOUN and NBMA reflects a shared vision of creating a knowledge driven safety culture within research institutions, adding that participants were expected to actively engage in discussions, practical sessions and knowledge sharing activities throughout the three-day programme.
He also expressed optimism that the training would lead to the establishment of stronger biosafety structures and internal regulatory compliance mechanisms.
In the welcome address, NOUN Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, represented by the Deputy Vice- Chancellor, Technology, Innovation and Research, Prof. Christine Ofulue, welcomed participants and partners to the university.
Ofulue conveyed the Vice-Chancellor’s appreciation to the National Biosafety Management Agency for partnering with the university in advancing capacity development in such an important area.
He noted that as a leading open and distance learning institution with an expanding research portfolio, NOUN recognises the growing importance of biosafety governance, environmental protection and ethical research practices.
Uduma mentioned that the workshop aligns with the university’s broader mandate of promoting innovation-driven research while ensuring that such innovation is guided by strong regulatory structures and safety standards.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that the training would equip participants with the knowledge required to identify, assess and mitigate biological and environmental risks associated with scientific research, biotechnology development and laboratory operations.
He further stated that NOUN remains committed to strengthening partnerships with regulatory agencies and stakeholders to ensure that research and technological development contribute positively to national development while safeguarding public health and the environment.
Uduma encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training sessions and to act as ambassadors of biosafety and environmental responsibility in their respective institutions and communities.
In the opening remarks, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency, Mr Bello Bawa Bwari, who was represented by Dr. Agha Upkai Agha, Acting Director of the Biosecurity Department of the agency, commended NOUN for hosting the workshop.
Agha noted that the partnership between NBMA and NOUN demonstrates the agency’s commitment to strengthening biosafety awareness and regulatory compliance within Nigeria’s academic and research institutions.
The director explained that biosafety and biosecurity have become increasingly significant in the context of rapid advancements in biotechnology, genetic research and biomedical sciences.
He also mentioned that without adequate regulatory systems and trained personnel, these advancements could pose unintended risks to human health, biodiversity and the environment.
Agha further stressed the need for continuous education, training and awareness creation among researchers, laboratory personnel and institutional administrators.
He also highlighted NBMA’s role in ensuring that modern biotechnology practices in Nigeria are conducted in accordance with international safety standards and national regulatory guidelines.
He expressed confidence that the train the trainer model adopted for the workshop would create a multiplier effects, enabling participants to disseminate knowledge widely and strengthen biosafety culture across institutions.
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