Terkimbi Vange is a Professor of Plant Breeding and Biometrics in the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Science, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue state North Central Nigeria. He is a holder of B. Agric (Crop Production), M.Sc. (Plant Breeding and Genetics) and Ph.D. (Plant Breeding and Biometrics). He has a certificate in Agronomy at Iowa State University Ames and obtained training in Biotechnology application in Molecular Genetics and Plant Breeding at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
Professor T. Vange was Head of Department, Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Science, Ag, Director, Seed Technology Centre. He also was the Deputy Director, Research and Development, all at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi. Currently, He is the Dean, College of Agronomy.
Professor Terkimbi Vange, a USDA FAS Borlaug Fellow, has written many publications in national, international and electronic journals. He attended and presented papers in numerous conferences both international and national level. The Professor has taught courses in Agronomy, Plant breeding and Biometry. Conduct extensive research in cereals especially on rice production and improvement. Participated in several rural survey and extension work. He has participated as key actor in the Swiss Government Capacity Building for Agricultural Education in Nigeria (CBAEN) as key actor in the Agricultural Value Chain. He served as Board member of National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) Abuja and has been external examiner to many Higher academic institutions. He supervised Several Students at all levels of study. His research interest is on the improvement of yield through breeding especial use of MAS.
Highlight of some of his research work includes: The Use of Integrated Approach in the Control of Striga hermonthica in Maize in the Guinea Savannah Region of Nigeria (Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria CARGS Sponsored Research). Development of novel breeding approaches that increase efficiency of selection and expression of resistance to striga in Maize. (United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sponsored research – Borlaug Fellowship). Development of sustainable low input crop management technologies for increase productivity of resource poor farmers to ensure food security and environmental quality etc.
Professor Vange has passion for excellence and impacting positively on the lives of others in the society. This has endeared him to many and in recognition of his contribution to the development of the university and the society at large, Professor Vange has received several awards. His interest includes reading, inter-cultural friendship, games and visits.
PROFESSOR IGNATIUS UGWUDIKE OBI was born at Lilu, Ihiala Local Government of Anambra State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, U.S.A., as follows: B.Sc. (Agric. Science); M.Sc. [Agronomy – Genetics and Biochemistry with emphasis on Corn (Zea mays L.). Protein Quality], and Ph.D (Plant Pathology – Genetics and Biochemistry with emphasis on the Physiology of Disease Resistance in Plants).
He was a Visiting Fellow in the Biometrics Unit of Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, U.S.A., 1982/83, where he was exposed to Residual Analysis for Detection of Outliers in Experiments by Professor W. T. Federer. Professor Obi was a visiting lecturer at Katholieke Universiteit, Belgium where he taught Arid and Tropical Farming Systems, April 18- 29, 1988. He also participated in a two-week Tutorial in Statgraphics at Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium, from May 1 to 16, 1989.
Professor I. U. Obi is a member of Gamma Sigma Delta (The Honour Society of Agriculture) and an author of over 100 published Journal Articles including the following Books/Monographs: Statistical Methods of Detecting Differences Between Treatment Means and Research Methodology Issues in Laboratory and Field Experiments, third edition; Introduction to Factorial Experiments for Agricultural, Biological and Social Sciences Research (first and second editions); Fixed and Random Treatment Models in Analysis of Variance for Balanced Designs; Introduction to Covariance Analysis with Worked Examples; Revision Model Answers in Theoretical Biology, Maize - Its Agronomy, Diseases, Pests and Food Values and Introduction to Regression, Correlation and Covariance Analysis (with Worked Examples).
Professor Obi was the 1st inaugural lecturer of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria and the 15th in the entire University in 2006.
Director, Global Cassava Partnership for the 21st Century, based in CIAT, Cali, Colombia and hosted by IITA Ibadan, Nigeria for operations. March 2018-June 2020. He joined ISTRC-AB in 1980 i.e. 37 years ago. He has supported tropical root crops development in diverse arenas across 42 countries and represented Africa region at the International Year of the Potato in Peru and India in 2008.
During July 2012 to June 2017 he was appointed for one term of five-years by the President of Nigeria to be the 7th Executive Director of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) Ibadan. He restructured and refocused CRIN with 946 staff including 68 researchers for targeted research and development of cocoa, cashew, coffee, kola and tea for Nigeria’s economy.
Before joining CRIN in 2012, he was appointed as IITA Seed Systems Specialist in the “Yam improvement for Income and Food security in West Africa (YIIFSWA)” project following a major study conducted along with Professor Felix Nweke and Dr John Lynam on the Seed systems of the vegetatively propagated crops in Africa for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seatle, USA that also now fund the project at IITA, Nigeria.
From 2004 to 2006, he was appointed the Officer-in-charge of IITA substation at Onne, Rivers State, Nigeria, where he doubled as agronomist for the Presidential Cassava Project that released a dozen elite cassava clones for use by farmers. In 2000 to 2003, he served as President of the ISTRC‑Africa Branch; and in November 2006 in Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], Kerela, India, he received from the ISTRC-worldwide a LIFETIME AWARD for his meritorious services to the society in ISTRC‑AB and is service as Vice-President for Fund-Raising for the ISTRC-worldwide. Since 1994 he became professor of plant breeding and crop seed production at the University of Ibadan where he has engaged in research for training 300 UI students and 15 are professors.
From 1987 to 1990, he served as yam, cassava, and sweetpotato breeder/agronomist at Ngaoundere where his work led to the saturation of 800 villages with sweetpotato, yam, and cassava for food and confectioneries in Adamaoua Province of the Republic of Cameroon for an IITA project funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation of London. From 1984 to 1987, he served as a part-time yam breeder at IITA where he produced the first clones from seeds of Dioscorea alata. From 1980 to 1983, he was vegetable breeder of okra and Corchorus olitorius and seed production technologist at the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Nigeria. From 1976 to 1981, his research on the “Floral biology and Genetics of Guinea Yams (Dioscorea rotundata and D. cayanensis)” earned him a PhD at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. He has since then remained a keen non-graduating student of yams, sweetpotato and cassava systems in Africa.
In 1992, he became the founding editor-in-chief of the Africa Journal of Root and Tuber Crops until its fifth volume. He also edited/co-edited: five triennial symposia proceedings over a 15-year period. He is author or co-author of nearly 300 publications including professional reports, journal papers, articles in proceedings, books, and chapters in books on agriculture especially crop improvement covering 36 species of tropical food, horticultural and export cash crops. From 1975 to 2020 he had often consulted on various agricultural development programs for governments and crop-plant systems for many global institutions across countries and will be available for advanced professional duties on tropical root and tuber crops from 1st July 2017.
Mr. Christopher NWADIKE holds a B. Tech (Hons) degree in Crop Production and Horticulture, from the Federal University of Technology, Yola. A Post Graduate Diploma in Education from University of Jos and MSc. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, and has his PhD in view in the same field and specialization. He has received trainings on Basic and Applied Plant Tissue Culture, Bio-Technology and Micro-Propagation as well as in Molecular Marker Applications and Bioinformatics at different times within the country. He has carried out several studies on local accessions characterization of common bean Phaseolus vulgaris and many crops of interest.
He was former, chairman of Academic Staff Union of Research Institution (ASURI), former Head of Department of Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal College of Forestry, Jos of the Forestry Research of Nigeria (FRIN). An environmentalist. He is a member of a solution driven registered Consortium for providing smart and innovative solutions for Agricultural and Environmental challenges. He is a member of Nigerian Institute Training and Development (NITAD), Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), Horticultural Society of Nigeria (HORTSON), Organization of Professional Biotechnologist and Bioengineers of West Africa (OPBBWA). He is the Secretary of Programme Implementation Committee of proposed Tolentine Augustinian University, Rim (TAUR) of the Order of St. Augustine, Nigerian and a Board of Trusty (BOT) member of the incorporated Plant Breeders Association of Nigeria (PBAN).His current professional and personal research interests includes but not limited to crop improvement for climate change mitigation and adaptation, urban Agriculture and Agric business .
He is a biotechnology, an Information Communication Technology enthusiast and a practicing farmer. Chris, has a passion and strives for excellence towards impacting positively on the lives of others in the society. This has endeared him to many and has received recognitions of his contribution to the development of his College and the society at large.
Daniel Terrumun GUNGULA, Ph.D. Professor of Crop Physiology
Contact Address: Department of Crop Production & Horticulture, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, P. M. B. 2076, Yola. Phone Number: +2348035742004 dgungula@gmail.com, dgungula@mautech.edu.ng, dgungula@yahoo.com Higher Education with dates and qualifications
Bio-Statistics, Farming Systems, Crop Modeling, Crop Physiology, System Analysis, Seed Production and Postharvest Technology and Crop Storage.
Professor Mohammad Faguji Ishiyaku is an experienced Professor of Plant Breeding at the Department of Plant Science, the Institute for Agricultural Research Samaru, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. He is currently the Executive Director of the Institute for Agricultural Research Samaru. Professor Ishiyaku is the Principal investigator of the pod borer resistance (PBR) cowpea project in Nigeria that successfully led to the release and commercialization of the first genetically modified cowpea in the world.
The PBR cowpea was developed following a decade of intensive research and field trials in response to the devastating threat of Maruca Vitrata, a pod-boring insect that can lead to up to 80% yield losses in cowpea, an important source of protein for millions of people in Nigeria and West Africa. Professor Ishiyaku started his career as a Forest Research Officer at the Bauchi State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bauchi from 1984 to 1989. Then he joined the services of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria where he worked as a Research Associate Cowpea Breeder for close to 8 years from 1989 to 1996.
In 1997, he left IITA and joined the services of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he is still serving at present. He has served at University in several capacities including Dean Student Affairs, Student Affairs Division, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria 2010. Professor Ishiyaku’s professional focus is on molecular plant breeding. He is a fellow of the Genetic Society of Nigeria and a member of several professional bodies. He has developed and released 12 Cowpea cultivars in Nigeria, with over 150 published articles to his credit.
Professor Ishiyaku who is fluent in Fulfulde, Hausa, Kanuri, and English languages, holds a BSc. degree in botany/plant biology from the Ahmadu Bello University, a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Cytogenetics & Plant Breeding from the University of Jos, and finally a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from the University of Reading where he studied Plant Genetics.
Professor Mohammad Faguji Ishiyaku has been nominated amongst Africa’s 20 most influential plant breeders of 2020. in a statement signed by Toinette Van Rooyen of the Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free States, Bloemfontein, South Africa who doubles as the President , southern Africa Plant Breeders Association. The SABPA committee shortlisted Professor Mohammad Faguji Ishiyaku alongside two (2) other scholars from Nigeria – Alfred Dixon and Abebe Menkir of IITA Nigeria.
G. O. S. Ojo is currently an Associate Professor and Reader at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria, where he has been involved in Teaching, Research and Extension for more than 25 years. He holds a PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics, specializing in Abiotic Stress Tolerance and has published articles in Local and International Journals. He is a member of the Genetics Society of Nigeria, where he served as Member and Secretary to the Local Organizing Committees in 2003 and 2017, respectively. He is also a member of Crop Science Society of Nigeria and Soybean Association of Nigeria.
Background: Dr. Rose Suniso Maxwell Gidado completed her doctorate degree (PhD) in Industrial Microbiology in 2015. Her research focuses on the development of indigenous ethanol tolerant yeast, for the industrial production of Bioethanol.
The research was motivated by the increasing world`s energy & fuel demands which encouraged research for alternative fuel sources such as Bioethanol. It was also aimed at developing indigenous non-saccharomyces ethanol tolerant yeast with prospects for applications in large industrial production of Bioethanol in Nigeria. In 2001, she accepted a position as Research Assistant in the Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Laboratory, at Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Garki, Abuja Nigeria.
She later joined the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) in 2002 as a Scientific Officer From 2006 to 2009, Dr. (Mrs.) Gidado, as a Scientific Officer in the Collaboration & Linkages Unit initiated collaboration between NABDA and Africa Harvest Biotechnology Foundation International (AHBFI) on Africa Bio-fortified Sorghum (ABS) Project; African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Nairobi on both Bt. Cowpea and several other Projects and Initiatives; the Programme for Biosafety Systems, Washington DC.; United States Agency for International Development(USAID); United States Department of Agriculture(USDA) and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Rose later grew to the rank of a Deputy Director (Research), 2018. She has been facilitating research collaborations on biotechnology both at local and international levels. Her notable accomplishments include; launching of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB), Nigeria Chapter in 2009 which earned her national recognition as the champion of biotechnology in Nigeria. Rose Suniso Maxwell Gidado on numerous occasions served as invited guest speaker and presented papers on biotechnology at several local and international conferences, trainings and workshops.
She is a Member, Representing NABDA at the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) Governing Board- 2018 till date; a Member, Representing NABDA at the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) Governing Board- 2018 till date; a Member, Africa Harvest Biotechnology Foundation (AHBFI), Nairobi Board of Directors (BoD)-March 2019 till date; Member, African Bioscience Advisory Board, 2016 till date and Advisory Board Member, Cornell Alliance for Science, Ithaca, New York. Dr. Gidado recognizes and understands the role of science and technology for human advancement by improving human health, nutrition and economic growth, particularly the potential impacts of biotechnology on agriculture in Nigeria. Therefore, she is passionate about making Nigeria and Africa more food and nutrition secure, as well as promoting public understanding of science and modern biotechnology. Her mission through the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB), Nigeria, is to drive advocacy campaigns, enhance knowledge sharing on agricultural biotechnology and dispel misconceptions within the realms of genetic modification technology. She aims to promote inclusive communication strategies between all stakeholders in the industry, for policy makers to make informed decisions towards ensuring a food secured Nigeria in the face of frightening global food insecurity.
Presently, Dr. Gidado is involved in a research work on Herbicide Tolerant (Round-up- Ready) Soybeans Project in collaboration with Michigan State University as an Assistant lead Scientist. She facilitated the granting of the project. The aim of the project is to screen and backross the HT genes into Nigerian leading commercial varieties of soybeans so as to reduce the drudgery of soybeans cultivation faced by farmers in Nigeria. This will promote the use of Soy in the country. Dr. Gidado’s Food Science background gives her the ability to lead in the food and feed safety assessment(regulatory) component of the project.
Dr. Gidado has facilitated and mobilized funds for Biotechnology and Biosafety awareness creation from both national and international Donor Organizations to this date. She has travelled widely to many countries in the world among which are the United State of America, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, France, Ireland, Brazil, Israel, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Republic of Zanzibar.
Ndirpaya is currently the Director of Plant Resources Department of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Abuja, an organization nationally mandated to coordinate, supervise and regulate the entire National Agricultural Research System (NARS) of Nigeria. Ndirpaya is currently the Nigerian Representative and Sub-Saharan Africa Voting Member on the Board of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) System Board; and a Member of the CGIAR Strategic Reference Group (SRG).
He is also a Member of the Governing Boards of National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) and National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT); in addition to Membership of Several National Committees including National Varietal Release Committee and National Committee for Registration of Seed Entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Over the years, he has also worked and served in a number of other reputable positions and organizations, both local and international, including: Chief Scientific Officer (Crops), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abuja; Research Associate with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Nigeria; Research Fellow with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria; Research Assistant at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA; and as Zonal Agricultural Research Officer (Adaptive Research), Borno State Agricultural Development Project (ADP), Maiduguri, where he started his career in the service.
He is widely travelled. A member of several professional bodies, esteemed Committees, and Nigerian delegations to International Meetings; and has published a number of academic papers. He is currently the Secretary to the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN).
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT I
Dr. EFISUE is currently a scientist and lecturer in the Department of Crop and Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. He lectures plant breeding, population genetics, genetic courses and molecular breeding techniques at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His working experience spans across local, regional and international institutions in multicultural and multidiscipline environments as well good interpersonal skills and effective collaborations and working relationships. He is a principal investigator, coordinator and project manager of many local and international projects in Nigeria.
As team leader, they have developed high yielding long slender grains of rice varieties. These varieties are long grains, high yielding and nitrogen responsive. Other qualities of these varieties are early maturing and tolerant to drought and some prevailing biotic stresses. Three of these lowland rice varieties (UPIA 1, UPIA 2 and UPIA 3) have been registered and released officially.
EFISUE saved as “Technical Adviser” to the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2011-2015 for the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA). He is the deputy leader “Rice Value Chain Transformation Agenda”. The regime has achieved more than 65% reduction on rice importation. He led the team from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to established Rice Value Chain in 36 states and Federal Capital territory, linkages with all rice stakeholders in Nigeria, such as rice farmers association of Nigeria (RIFAN), millers, seeds companies, seeds producers and rice marketers. The linkages have created veritable platforms and awareness among the rice stakeholders till date in Nigeria. He also involved in training about 200 rice farmers per state in 36 states on modern rice production techniques during the implementation of ATA programmes in Nigeria. Team member in the inter-ministerial meetings, project developments, monitoring and evaluation of projects within ministry and across ministerial levels. Overall, He has good knowledge of capacity building, counselling, and advisers to many Non-governmental organizations within and outside the country. Involve in many training programs in various agricultural fields within and outside the country.
He belongs to many professional bodies in the country and outside the country, he is an acknowledge rice breeder.
VICE PRESIDENT II
Professor Andrew Saba Gana, is a Professor of Crop Production with specialization in Plant Breeding and Genetics. He graduated from University of Sokoto now Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto for his B Sc. Agriculture. After the National Youth Service, he took appointment with Niger state Government as Education Officer and served at Government Science College Kagara, where he was Head of Department; and coordinated Agricultural science examinations in all the science schools in Niger state. Both his Msc and PhD were at University of Ilorin.
He took appointment with National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi, as Research Officer 1. He worked as a rice breeder in the institute, and rose through the ranks to become Chief Research Officer. While at National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi, he had a working collaborative research work with West African Rice Development Association (WARDA) now African Rice Center. He participated in the rice breeding activities of both lowland and upland rice ecologies. He was part of the Regional Rice Research group of WARDA, known as ROCARIZ. These activities led to the commercial release of some rice varieties to farmers, which are currently being cultivated.
He was also involved in the supervision of outgrowers farms on seed production. He participated in the training of farmers across the country on rice related topics and seed production practices. He has served as consultant and facilitator to International Fund for Agriculture Development Value Chain Development Program Niger state (IFAD/VCDP - Niger state).
He joined the services of Federal University of Technology, Minna as a Senior Lecturer and became a Professor in October 2014. He has served as Head of Department of Crop Production, and also held responsibilities in committees and units of the University. He has supervised several undergraduates and Postgraduates students. He is a member of Genetics Society of Nigeria, Crop Science Society of Nigeria and Association of Seed Scientists of Nigeria. He has published about 80 articles in journals, book chapters, conference proceedings and technical papers. He has also served as external examiner to some Universities.
SECRETARY GENERAL/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL
Mr. Godspower Ekeruo was born on the 23rd of June, 1987 in Lagos, Nigeria. He had his primary and secondary school education in Lagos and Imo State respectively after which he proceeded to the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (FUAM) Nigeria, where he obtained his Bachelors of Agriculture Degree in crop-soil in 2011.
His diligence and interest in education saw him graduated as the best student in his first-degree program. He received Kirkhouse scholarship for his Master’s degree program in Plant Breeding and Genetics at the Federal University of Agriculture during which he also obtained training in Biotechnology application in Molecular Genetics and Plant Breeding at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA and graduated in 2016 Mr. Godspower is very resourceful, an enthusiastic, energetic, and an exceptionally well-organized personality. Because of his outstanding qualities, he was employed as an Assistant Lecturer into the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Science at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He is currently a Research Fellow at the Molecular Biology Laboratory of the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi and the Principal Investigator of the Soybean All Variety Trial in Makurdi location. He is happily married to Mrs. Elizabeth Godspower Ekeruo.
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Professor Ngwuta, Abraham Agwu (B. Agric. (Horticulture), M Sc. & Ph. D. (Plant Breeding and Genetics), University of Nigeria Nsukka). Professor of Crop Science and Technology, Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo state.
He has published over 60 articles in peer reviewed national and international journals. He has also presented over 20 research papers at national and international conferences, also published. He was an international research fellow (IRSAF) at the International Institute for Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, Nigeria (1999 to 2009). He has served as editorial board member for Horticultural Society of Nigeria and Crop Science Society of Nigeria in various capacities. Professor Abraham Ngwuta was Head of Department, Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo state, 2012 to 2015. He belongs to several academic societies including but not limited to; Genetic Society of Nigeria, Plant Breeders Association of Nigeria, Agricultural Society of Nigeria, Crop Science Society of Nigeria, African Crop Science Society, International Biometrical Society, Horticultural Society of Nigeria. His research areas of interest include; Developing stem borer resistant maize varieties; Developing maize for fresh maize production; Improving legume genetic resource for Humid Tropical environment; Growing vegetable crops in southeastern Nigeria; Improving the productivity of soils in the humid rain forest area of southeast Nigeria.
TREASURER
Macsamuel Sesugh Ugbaa holds a BSc. in Botany from the University of Jos, an MSc. in Plant Breeding and Genetics (Molecular Breeding) from the Fedeeal University of Agriculture Makurdi, and has his PhD in view in the same field and specialization. He has received trainings in application of molecular techniques at the University of Virginia, USA and Cambridge University, UK.
Macsamuel is a Research fellow of the Kirkhouse Trust Scio UK and a Co-PI at the Molecular Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi and Nigeria Country Coordinator of the JR Biotek foundation USA. He has been involved in crop improvement projects funded by Kirkhouse Trust, AGRA and collaborative projects with IITA at the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi since 2010. His research interests are crop improvement using molecular tools and mutagenesis. He is also a biotechnology and ICT enthusiast interested in how Agritech can help farmers improve productivity and sustainability and mitigate climate change impacts.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY/BUSINESS MANAGER
Olasanmi is a Lecturer in the Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His responsibilities in the University include lecturing, supervision of students, research into improvement, agronomy and postharvest utilization of crops, administrative roles and community service.
Olasanmi bagged his B.Sc. Agriculture (1995 to 2001), M.Sc. in Agronomy (2003 to 2004) and PhD in Plant Breeding (2010) from University of Ibadan. During his PhD programme which was funded by Kirkhouse Trust Foundation, UK, he won the Institute for Genomic Diversity (IGD) Fellowship for African Scientist to undergo training at Cornell University in 2007. He worked as a Consultant with Harvest-Plus and Bio-Cassava Plus at National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike for about three years before proceeding to University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria where he worked for seven months. He later joined University of Ibadan in 2013. He won fellowship grant to attend African Plant Breeding Academy (Class I) at ICRAF, Nairobi, Kenya between 2013 and 2014 and African Biosciences Challenge Fund (ABCF) to carry out the molecular component of his ongoing research work at BecA-ILRI, Nairobi, Kenya between 2017 and 2018.
Olasanmi has participated in many breeding activities in Nigeria leading to release of more than ten cassava varieties. He is a member of different committees in University of Ibadan where he also serves as Departmental Postgraduate Coordinator among other responsibilities. He is a member of International Society for Tropical Root Crops - Africa Branch; International Society for Tropical Root Crops (global); Generation Cassava Partnership; and African Plant Breeders' Association. He is widely travelled and has attended many international conferences, seminars and trainings home and abroad. He has supervised many students at B.Sc. M.Sc. and Ph.D. levels and has published some of his research findings in local and international Journals.
INTERNAL AUDITOR
Dr. Olasan Olalekan Joseph is currently a Lecturer and a researcher in the Biotechnology and Genetics Unit of the Department of Botany, Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi. He holds: a First Class degree in Cell Biology and Genetics from the University of Lagos; Masters and Doctorate degrees with Distinctions in Plant Science and Biotechnology (Molecular Genetic) from the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi.
The teaching and research philosophies of Dr Olasan are anchored on sustainable food production with the overall goal of ensuring food security for mankind while maintaining a sustainable healthy environment. He is currently a co-principal investigator, in the evaluation of Stress Tolerant Orphan Legumes (STOL) sponsored by a joint partnership of Kirkhouse Trust UK/ Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and NBPGR India. The crops which consist of Mungbean, Mothbean, Horsegram and Dolichos beans are currently under evaluation for drought tolerance for possible adoption as substitutes to other legumes food crops in the Sub Saharan Africa.
He has consistently maintained a good history of research and development at the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi Nigeria, with over fifty (50) published work in reputable Journals to his credit. He has co-authored two textbooks for university students: (1) Techniques in Molecular Genetics (2) Plant Science and Biotechnology. He belongs to many professional organizations including the Biotechnology Interdisciplinary Research Group- FUAM, the Genetics Society of Nigeria, the Nigerian Environmental Society and the Plant Breeders Association of Nigeria as the Protem Auditor.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Professor Usman Adamu Izge, was born at the then General Hospital Maiduguri on 16th December, 1966. He attended Izge 'A' Primary School from 1972 to 1978 and Mafoni Primary School in Maiduguri from 1978 to 1980. From there he proceeded to Government Secondary School Jakusko in Yobe State from 1980 to 1982 and then Government Science Secondary School Gashua also in Yobe State from 1982 to 1985 where he was the Assistant Head Boy in 1984 and Head Boy in 1985.
He was admitted into the School of Basic Studies (SBS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria from August 1985 to June, 1986 and then to Faculty of Agriculture also at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 1986. He graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Agriculture Degree in Crop Science and subsequently did his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as a class room teacher at Government College Wamba, Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State from October 1990 to September, 1991. On completion of NYSC he was appointed as Assistant Lecturer in December 1991 at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, Maiduguri, where he taught courses in agriculture up to January, 1994. In the same year 1994, he was appointed as Graduate Assistant in the then Department of Crop Science and now Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri on 17th January. He proceeded for Postgraduate Degree also in the same year 1994 to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, where he graduated with a Masters' of Science Degree in Genetics and Crop Breeding in 1998. After completion of his Masters Degree, he returned to Maiduguri and was promoted to Assistant Lecturer in the same year, 1998. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of Lecturer II in 2000 and to Lecturer I in 2002. He enrolled for his PhD Degree at the then Federal University of Technology, now Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola in 2004 and graduated in 2007 with a PhD Degree in Genetics and Crop Breeding. Upon returning to Maiduguri after obtaining his PhD Degree, he was promoted to the rank of Senior Lecturer in October, 2007 and to Associate Professor in October, 2009 and to Professor in October, 2012 all by the University of Maiduguri Governing Council.
Professor Izge was a member, Faculty of Agriculture University of Maiduguri Research Committee, secretary, Standing Committee on Examination Malpractice, member, National Agricultural and Land Development (NALDA) feasibility studies, member, Farm Management Committee. He was also a Departmental Examination Officer and a Faculty Year Coordinator. He was a Member University of Maiduguri Biotechnology and Technical Implementation Committee, member Board of Journal of Arid Agriculture, elected member from University of Maiduguri Congregation on Campus Tenant Committee, elected member from University of Maiduguri Congregation on Campus Motoring Committee.
He was a member, Curriculum Review Committee, saddled with the review of curriculum for the Faculty of Agriculture in Federal University Kashere. At the State level, Professor Izge was a member, Borno State Government Agricultural Transformation Team from 2012 to 2015. He was the Chairman, Strategic Planning Drafting Committee, Federal University Dutse, Chairman, Administrative Investigative Committee, Chairman, Teaching and Learning Committee, Chairman, War Against Grade Sorting, Chairman, Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee, Chairman, University Health Policy Committee, Chairman, University Farm, Chairman, Academic Brief Review Committee, Chairman, Student Disciplinary Committee, Chairman, House Allocation Committee, Member, Finance and General Purpose Committee on Council, and Member, Appointment and Promotion Committee also on Council. He is Chairman, Committee on the review of scheme of service for Academic Staff, Chairman, review of conditions of service for junior and senior non-teaching staff. Professor Izge is also the Chairman, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee on TetFund Projects, and Chairman, Sevicom Committee. He is a Member, Procurement Planning Committee, Member, of Committee of Board of Consultancy Services and Member, Federal University Dutse Security Committee.
At National level, Professor Izge was a State Facilitator, national immunization baseline coverage survey in charge of Nasarawa State in 2001. He was a member on a National Study for the Rehabilitation of Public Irrigation Scheme. A facilitator, National Population and Housing Census. Member, National Experts on Climate Change that was charged with the preparation of Nigeria 2nd National Communication on Green House Gases, Vulnerability and Adaptability. He was the Team Leader, North eastern Nigeria, Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa (DTMA) Project, sponsored by Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation. He has been a visiting Professor in the Department of Crop Production, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi since 2013 and have been external examiner in several other Universities. He was also a visiting lecturer in Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus from 2008-2010. Professor Izge supervised several postgraduate students both at M. Sc and PhD. He was the Head of Department, Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri from 2010 to 2012 and then proceeded on sabbatical leave in 2012 to Federal University Dutse in Jigawa State, where he is on leave of absence at the moment.
Professor Izge was the pioneer Head of Crop Science Department, Federal University Dutse. He was Dean of Student Affairs, Federal University Dutse and was the Editor-in-Chief, Dutse Journal of Agriculture and Food Security (DUJAFS). He was also the Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance of the University. Presently, Professor Izge is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Central Administration, Federal University Dutse. He has received several awards among which are, the Best Maize Technology Development and Dissemination Team Award, by Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation in 2007 and 2010. The distinguished award of honour by the Farm Management Association of Nigeria (FAMAN). Fellow Award by Corporate Affairs Institute. Award of Excellence by National Association of Agricultural Students. Award of Honour as 1st PhD holder in Izge Community by Izge Student Association, Award of Honour as 1st Professor in Izge Community and Gwoza West also by Izge Student Association. Professor Izge is a member of Genetic Society of Nigeria (GSN), Agricultural Society of Nigeria (ASN), Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) and several other professional bodies. He has published widely and has to his credit more than 45 publications including books and articles that appears in national and international reputable journals.
Professor Izge has visited several countries in Europe. He has also visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and several countries in Africa and Asia. Professor Izge can simply be described as honest, hard working and level headed individual. He minds his business. He is happily married. By the grace of God Almighty, Professor Izge has been blessed with a number of fast growing, healthy and amiable children.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Prof. Alexander C. Odiyi B.Sc.Botany (Benin), M.Sc Plant Breeding and Genetics (UNN), Ph.D Plant Breeding and Genetics (Akure) is an Associate Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics in the Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management of the Federal University of Technology, Akure. He is a member of a number of societies including but not limited to Association of Seed Scientists of Nigeria and Genetics Society of Nigeria. He currently serves as reviewer for many national and international publishing houses. He has also published over 50 articles in peer reviewed national and international journals. He is currently the team leader in Seed production programme in the Federal University, Akure. His current areas of research interest include improvement of maize for borer resistance and earliness, improvement and promotion of grain sorghum for industrial use in south west Nigeria, improvement of sweet sorghum for biofuel and silage potentials. He is married with children..
ASSOCIATE EDITOR III
NORTH-EAST COORDINATOR
Dr. Jonah, Peter M. is a Senior Lecturer of the Department Crop Science, Adamawa State University, Mubi, has Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Plant Breeding and Genetics in the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Science, University of Agriculture, Markurdi, Benue State. He obtained a Bachelor of Agriculture degree in ABU, Zaria and Master Degree in Technology (M. Tech.) Crop Breeding, Federal University of Technology, Yola now Modibbo Adama Unvirility of Technology, Yola. He published several articles in International Journals and also presented papers in Genetic Society of Nigeria Conferences. Dr. Jonah teaches courses at both Undergraduate and Post-graduate levels in Plant Breeding, Statistics and Experimental Design. He supervised several students at both Undergraduate and Post-graduate levels.
He worked on combining ability and heterosis in diallel cross of West African Okra (Abelmoschus Caillei) and presently working on diversity studies in some genotypes of tomatoes and Corchorus spp in Mubi. Dr. Jonah Peter is currently the Head of Department of Crop Science, Adamawa State University, Mubi. He likes reading and playing Football.