The Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) says it aligns with the safe application of biotechnology because it promotes enhanced health care delivery and engenders a sustainable food security and environment.
Prof. Sylvia Uzochukwu, President of BSN, said this during an interview on Monday, October 27, 2025, in Abuja.
The society’s position comes at a period when there is controversy over the safety of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and food security.
Uzochukwu explained that biotechnology is a form of technology that uses biological systems, living organisms or their parts to develop or create different products.
She said that in healthcare, for instance, the world benefitted from the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines that contributed in bringing COVID-19 to an end.
NAN reports that an mRNA vaccine is a type of vaccine that uses mRNA to produce an immune response.
According to her, similar great strides are being recorded in sickle cell research using biotech.
She further told NAN that there was a possibility of having an affordable cure for it and other diseases lodged in the DNA such as hepatitis B and HIV AIDS.
“Modern biotechnology has revolutionalised health care, with procedures such as gene therapy, becoming more and more routine in healthcare, for the cure of genetic diseases.
“In agriculture, Nigerian beans will soon no longer be rejected in international trade because of high pesticide residues and high levels of cancer-causing fungal toxins.
“This is because Nigerian scientists have developed the insect resistant beans called Bt cowpea which requires little or no insecticide sprays to do well,’’ she said.
Uzochukwu said that the environment was also becoming safer due to biotechnology.
She said the development of pest-resistant crops using biotechnology tools had taken tonnes of toxic chemicals off the farms across the world.
Accordingly, this makes the air, as well as surface and ground waters safer for humans and aquatic lives.
“Modern techniques in biotechnology are here to stay and will only get better as they have enormous potentials for improving the life of man,’’ Uzochukwu said.
The professor of Food Science and Biotechnology assured that Nigerian scientists would not harm their compatriots because they have the mandate to promote and regulate biotechnology.
By Sylvester Thompson
I fully support the safe application of biotechnology as it plays a crucial role in enhancing healthcare and ensuring food security. It’s essential that we continue to advocate for responsible practices in this field to benefit our communities and the environment.