Federal University Establishes Center for Excellence and food safety

The Niger State government has affirmed its commitment to partnering with the Federal University of Technology Minna to enhance education in the state.

Governor Umar Mohammed Bago stated this during the commissioning of some university projects, including the African Center for Excellence and Food Safety, remodeled entrance gate, and others led by Vice Chancellor Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta.

Represented by the Head of Service, Abubakar Salisu, Governor Bago highlighted the university’s significant contributions to the development of the state, emphasizing the positive impact of the projects on students and the university host community.

Vice Chancellor Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta, speaking during the event, expressed the university’s commitment to the well-being of students and people in the state.

He assured continued efforts in providing developmental projects for the university’s advancement, accompanied by the university Chancellor His Royal Highness Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi.

Notably, the African Center for Excellence for Mycotoxins and Food Safety was commissioned, aimed at pioneering research and development in food poisoning and related cases.

After the commissioning of the center, Director of the research center Professor Hussain Anthony Mako said the center, funded by the federal government through the World Bank, will focus on researching naturally occurring poisons in foods.

The Director further stated that “advanced equipment, funded by the National Universities Commission (NUC), will aid students from 12 African countries in carrying out research on food safety in the continent.”

Professor Mako stressed collaboration with NAFDAC as the regulator in the country and the center’s role on the sectorial advisory board, contributing to food safety standards.

Despite challenges such as security concerns impacting the enrollment of foreign students, Professor Hussain Anthony Mako said the center aims for sustainability through revenue generation, grants, and research product offerings.

He affirmed the center’s intercontinental approach, reflecting its commitment to addressing global food safety issues through training and capacity building.