News & Events

DR. APALOWO LAUNCHES INAUGURAL YOUNG GENIUSES LECTURE WITH GROUNDBREAKING INSIGHTS

The Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, witnessed a milestone event on the 23^rd of July, 2024, as Dr. Oluropo Apalowo, a distinguished lecturer in the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, delivered the 1st Young Geniuses Lecture and 9^th Faculty lecture series to an enthusiastic audience of students, academics, and professionals.

The lecture, titled  “Application of Bioinformatics in Agriculture: Understanding the Molecular Tools in Crop Production, Disease Diagnosis, and Animal Management,” explored the revolutionary role of bioinformatics in modern agricultural practices. Drawing from his rich academic background, including a Ph.D. in Crop Protection, Dr. Apalowo captivated the audience with cutting-edge insights that bridged scientific research and real-world application.

In his presentation, Dr. Apalowo emphasized how bioinformatics tools are transforming agriculture by enabling precise crop improvement, early detection of plant diseases, and better management of livestockthrough genomic data analysis. “Understanding molecular markers and genome sequencing is no longer optional; it is the future of sustainable agriculture,” he remarked.

He also gave practical examples, such as the use of DNA barcoding for accurate pest identification and bioinformatic models for predicting crop resistance to diseases. Practical session included demonstrations of how DNA/RNA Database platforms like National center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) can assist in real-time decision-making, especially in accurate identification of organisms.

In his presentation, Dr. Apalowo emphasized how bioinformatics tools are transforming agriculture by enabling precise crop improvement, early detection of plant diseases, and better management of livestockthrough genomic data analysis. “Understanding molecular markers and genome sequencing is no longer optional; it is the future of sustainable agriculture,” he remarked.

He also gave practical examples, such as the use of DNA barcoding for accurate pest identification and bioinformatic models for predicting crop resistance to diseases. Practical session included demonstrations of how DNA/RNA Database platforms like National center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) can assist in real-time decision-making, especially in accurate identification of organisms.

Participants described the lecture as enlightening and forward-thinking. “This lecture opened my eyes to the immense possibilities that lie in data-driven Agriculture” said a postgraduate student. Another participant, from Agricultural Economics and Extension, added, “It was inspiring to see how bioinformatics can help us solve real problems on the farm.” Others said the knowledge gained from the lecture has equipped them to better address challenges like food security, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience by leveraging cutting-edge bioinformatics technologies

In her remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Cordelia Ebenebe commended Dr. Apalowo for setting a high standard for future Young Geniuses Lectures. “This is the kind of intellectual engagement we must continue to promote — one that connects academic research with practical, transformative solutions,” she stated. The Dean also promised to follow through on the recommendation of the presenter on the need for the faculty to have a molecular laboratory.

The event concluded with a resounding round of applause and a renewed commitment by the faculty to foster innovation and mentorship among young scholars. Dr. Apalowo’s lecture not only marked the beginning of the Young Geniuses Lecture Series but also laid a strong foundation for interdisciplinary collaboration and technological advancement in Nigerian agriculture.

By Oluropo, May 2025

Published by Ude Sabastine C. (FAG MICTU)

On behalf of the Vice Chancellor/Chief Host and in the name of the Faculty of Agriculture in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in Partnership with Boldscholar Research Ltd Abuja, Clarivate Nigeria and the National Library of Nigeria, the Central Planning Committee (CPC) is happy to invite you to register and participate in a one-day Capacity Building Boot Camp with the theme “Publish with Confidence, Promote with Ease” under the Distinguished Chairperson of Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, the National Librarian/Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Abuja.

The event is scheduled as follows:
Date: December 17, 2024
Time: 9 AM – 5 PM

Venue: Postgraduate College (Auditorium), UNIZIK, Awka

Aim of Boot Camp:
Mastering Academic Writing and Presentation for Scopus and Clarivate Indexed Journals.

Target Groups:

*Lecturers
*Technologists
*Research Fellows/Scientific Officers
*Admin Officers
*Postgraduate Students

Certificate for Participants
Those interested in getting the Certificates (endowed with the logos of National Library of Nigeria, TETFund NAU, Boldscholar, Clarivate, and Faculty of Agriculture, UNIZIK) can pay the sum of 5,000 Naira (only) into

Account No.:

1228954210

Banker: Zenith Bank

Account Name: Faculty of Agriculture Int’L Conference

Important
Either scan the QR Code on the flyer or click on the url link below to register:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGBf4EvWK2lXL3o-rbq_TnJwYY6X7KEnirF_wn8W8rHTIEzQ/viewform?usp=sharing

Because its a hands-on training Boot Camp, note also that the event will be strictly attended by only those whose payment for certificates are duly confirmed by the Central Planning Committee by the deadline of December 10, 2024.

Announcer:
Central Planning Committee

1. Animal Science

2. Fisheries and Aquaculture Management.

Program Features:

Program Objectives:

Delivery Method:

Career Opportunities:

Admission Requirements:

Application Process:

After submission of the form, the candidate is to print out a copy and visit the Faculty Coordinator of Certificate program for documentation or send the completed form via email to the Official email address of the coordinator [email protected]

Join us on this educational journey, where the Certificate in Animal Science or Fisheries and Aquaculture Management opens doors to a greater tomorrow in a world full of challenges.

Quality Assurance: An Index of Academic Exceptionalism

It’s another feat for the faculty of Agriculture Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka as she becomes the 1st faculty to host such an enormous career enhancing event at faculty level within the university.

The Dean Prof. Ebenebe C. I. in her opening remark said every academic staff, technologist and all professionals know that “quality” has to do with having excellence in what you do. The dean siad that the quality assurance seminar is organized to renew staff systematic, structured and continuous attention to quality in terms of quality maintenance and improvement in the academic system and beyond that.

Profesor Uche Eunice Ekpunobi is the first speaker of the event. In her presentation titled “INDICES OF ACADEMIC EXCEPTIONALISM”, noted that quality assurance has to do with developing an internal quality culture, where quality is a primary focus of the institution and where quality permeates. She also itemized the distinguishing factors of QA, drivers of excellence, ingredients of exceptionalism, etc.

Associate Prof. Aniedu Azubuike lectured extensively on quality assurance based CRIMS profiling and result procesing and uploads…  While the last presenter, Prof. Nkehi Patricia-Mary Esomonu spoke on the topic: “INDICES OF QUALITY TEACHING, QUESTION SETTING, MARKING SCHEME PREPARATION AND MARKING”. It was an iteractive sesssion with assessments and learning outcomes on the spot. Professor Esomonu disected the 21st cenyury pedagogy and spoke about types of tests, analysis of content and educational objectives, taxonomy of educational objectives, etc.

FAG ICT/Medea Team

Published by FAG MICTU

The Dean, Prof Cordelia I. Ebenebe, Head of Departments & Professors of Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka welcomes the Anambra State Commissioner For Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, Program Manager, Agricultural Development Projects, Mr. Jude Nwankwo and other State officials to the Faculty.

Speaking during a meeting, the Dean expressed readiness of the faculty to partner with the Ministry in domesticating some of their research findings for the benefit of the State.

The Commissioner challenged the Academics to come up with innovative solutions to multiple challenges faced by farmers in the State. These challenges to include, reducing the cost of livestock feed, gully erosion, development of native crops like Breadfruit (Ukwa), Bitter kola (Akilu), among others, as well as enhancement of native livestock, chicken (Okuko Igbo) and cow (Efi Igbo).

He said that Government would collaborate with the institution to chart the way forward especially in the area of “Gown-to-Town” initiative. The Commissioner indicated that in the first instance, the Government is ready to partner with the faculty in the following areas:

1. Collaborate with Department of Forestry and Wildlife to improve and multiply early fruiting breadfruit (Ukwa). Hence facilitate offtake of 10,000 seedlings Ukwa to the State government
2. Include experts in the faculty in the project the State government plan to have with Chinese Government as well as L- PRES project by World Bank

The Programme Manager ADP admitted the Faculty of Agriculture as one of the out stations for World Bank vegetable production project under his purview.

The climax of the meeting was a visit to the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Nursery to inspect the site for raising seedlings of various indigenous tree species and an already fruiting Ukwa planted 3 years ago.

Presenting the vote of thanks, Dr. Ngozi Obiekwe, the Faculty’s representative to Senate, thank the commissioner and his team for a giant step to foster the Gown to Town relationship.

FAU-NAU ICT/Media Team
19th July, 2023

Published by FAG MICTU